New Delhi:
Justice Sanjay Karol retired from the Supreme Courtroom on Saturday, bringing an finish to a judicial profession marked by compassion, accessibility and a robust dedication to encouraging younger legal professionals.
Affectionately often called ‘Chachaji’ amongst members of the Bar, Justice Karol earned the nickname for 2 causes. He was identified for his heat and inspiring strategy in direction of younger advocates and had appointed practically 500 younger legal professionals as amicus curiae in numerous circumstances. His distinctive look additionally reminded lots of the standard comic-book character Chacha Chaudhary.
Justice Karol, who hails from Garli, Himachal Pradesh’s first heritage village, was extensively revered for his easy and approachable method.
One of many vital judgments related together with his tenure was his recognition of the financial worth of the unpaid work carried out by homemakers. In a major judgment delivered on June 11, 2026, Justice Karol assessed the contribution of a lady who died in a street accident at Rs 30,000 per 30 days for compensation.
On that foundation, the Supreme Courtroom enhanced the compensation payable to her household to Rs 63 lakh, from the Rs 8 lakh awarded by the Excessive Courtroom.
The judgment considered family work, childcare and the contribution of ladies throughout the household in a broader social and financial context. Justice Karol noticed that girls’s contribution is just not confined to organic copy; additionally they play an important position in creating the “human capital” on which the nation’s financial progress relies upon.
In one other notable ruling, Justice Karol held that the Railways ought to keep away from referring to passengers as “second class”, reflecting his sensitivity in direction of language and dignity.
His humane strategy was additionally highlighted throughout his farewell ceremony by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. Recalling an incident from Justice Karol’s tenure as a choose of the Himachal Pradesh Excessive Courtroom, the CJI stated that Justice Karol as soon as noticed a milkman all of the sudden collapse by the roadside. He stopped his automotive, helped the person, and ensured that he was taken to hospital and acquired remedy.
Justice Karol took cost as a choose of the Himachal Pradesh Excessive Courtroom on March 8, 2007. He later grew to become Chief Justice of the Tripura Excessive Courtroom on November 14, 2018, and subsequently served as Chief Justice of the Patna Excessive Courtroom.
Through the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas heading the Patna Excessive Courtroom, he additionally took steps to rearrange meals for individuals in want.
Along with his retirement, Justice Karol’s judicial journey has come to an finish. However his legacy will lengthen past the courtroom – notably his recognition of the invisible and unpaid labour of homemakers as an vital financial contribution.
For generations of younger legal professionals who knew him as ‘Chachaji’, nonetheless, his best legacy could merely be the encouragement, heat and humanity with which he approached the career.
