Justice Sanjay Karol Bids Farewell to Supreme Court; CJI Surya Kant Hails His Constitutional Commitment

August 20, 2026 : The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) hosted a ceremonial farewell on Wednesday for Justice Sanjay Karol, who will demit office on August 22, 2026, after serving as a judge of the Supreme Court for nearly three and a half years.

Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant praised Justice Karol for his commitment to access to justice, institutional dignity and a humane approach to litigation. He said the Supreme Court would miss a judge who combined administrative reforms with sensitivity towards litigants and consistently emphasized the constitutional purpose of the judicial institution.

Speaking at the farewell, CJI Surya Kant recalled Justice Karol’s judicial philosophy, which was shaped by his experience at the trial court and district level. He highlighted Justice Karol’s tenure as Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court, during which pendency was reduced by more than half. He also referred to his significant ruling at the Patna High Court recognizing access to clean toilets as a fundamental right.

Justice Karol was also remembered for his emphasis on making justice accessible to ordinary citizens, particularly those from economically weaker sections. The CJI noted his efforts to promote reconciliation and legal aid clinics at the grassroots level and his belief that the justice system must work towards “wiping the tears of litigants especially the poor ones.”

CJI Surya Kant also spoke about Justice Karol’s views on technology and adjudication. He said Justice Karol had repeatedly emphasized that genuine judging requires deep constitutional thinking rather than simply relying on technology or data. He encouraged young law students to approach case files as human stories involving real people rather than treating them as mere records.

In his response to the felicitations, Justice Karol spoke about the responsibility attached to the legal profession. Referring to popular portrayals of the judiciary, he urged young advocates not to lose faith in the profession and said that lawyers enter a profession that demands service to society.

Justice Karol also emphasized the importance of living by constitutional values. Addressing young advocates, he said, “Be alive. And live the Constitution is all I can say.” He further reminded members of the Bar that law is ultimately a service to society and not merely a means of earning a livelihood.

The farewell ceremony was attended by sitting and former judges, senior advocates and members of the Bar. Speakers recalled Justice Karol’s administrative initiatives, judicial contribution and emphasis on compassion. Members of the Bar gave him a standing ovation as the ceremony concluded.

Born on August 23, 1961, in Shimla, Justice Sanjay Karol enrolled as an advocate in 1983. He served as Advocate General of Himachal Pradesh from 1998 to 2003 before being elevated to the Bench in 2007.

Justice Karol subsequently served as Acting Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and as Chief Justice of the Tripura and Patna High Courts. He was elevated to the Supreme Court on February 6, 2023.

With his retirement on August 22, 2026, Justice Karol will conclude a distinguished legal and judicial career spanning more than four decades, including over two decades in judicial office. His tenure will be remembered for his focus on access to justice, judicial administration, legal aid and the practical application of constitutional values.