Judges Are Not Gods, Says Retiring Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Karol
· India · The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Times of India
Retiring Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Karol stated in his farewell address on August 22, 2026, that judges are not infallible and will not get every judgment right. Reflecting on his four-decade legal career, Justice Karol emphasized that the judiciary must prioritize humility and recognize the human element behind every litigant. The Supreme Court held a ceremonial bench in New Delhi to bid farewell to the judge, featuring tributes from Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. Justice Karol, who was elevated to the Supreme Court on February 6, 2023, noted that he viewed the courtroom as a vehicle for a purpose greater than himself. His final ceremonial bench included Chief Justice Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana.
Why it matters
The remarks highlight the internal perspective of the Indian judiciary regarding the limitations of legal interpretation and the necessity of empathy in judicial decision-making. This acknowledgment of human fallibility from a high-ranking official serves as a reflection on the evolving role of the Supreme Court in balancing legal correctness with justice.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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