When a citizen knocks on the doors of the Supreme Court of India, they are usually looking for a miracle. For many, the highest court in the land is the final temple of hope. But what happens when a judge sitting in that very court reminds the nation that the people wearing the black robes are only human?
On his last working day, retiring Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Karol delivered a powerful and emotional farewell speech. Instead of boasting about landmark judgments or legal victories, he chose to speak about humility, human error, and the true meaning of justice.
His message was simple but profound: Judges are not gods, and the legal system must never forget the ordinary person standing behind a complex legal petition.
The Tradition of the Ceremonial Bench
In the Supreme Court of India, there is a long-standing tradition to honor a retiring judge. On their final working day, a special “ceremonial bench” is held. The retiring judge shares the bench, often with the Chief Justice of India, while members of the legal community gather to bid them farewell.
It was during this traditional gathering that Justice Karol reflected on his 40-year-long journey in the legal field. He started as a young lawyer in 1986, looking up at the imposing height of the Supreme Court bench. Over the decades, he realized that the high chairs of the judges do not represent absolute authority. Instead, they represent responsibility, dignity, and a deep need for humility.
“We Are Not Gods”
The most striking moment of Justice Karol’s speech was his honest admission about judicial fallibility. He stated clearly that judges are not divine beings and that they will not get every single judgment right.
In a legal system where a single signature can change the course of someone’s life, admitting the possibility of human error is a bold statement. Justice Karol explained that while achieving absolute perfection in every legal ruling is impossible, there is something much simpler that is always within a judge’s control: the ability to see the human being involved.
He reminded the legal community that a court petition is just a bundle of papers. It contains the dry facts of a case, but it can never truly capture what a person has lost, the pain they have suffered, or the hope they carry when they approach the court.
What The Law Demands: Correctness vs. Justice
One of the most important lessons for law students and citizens alike is understanding the difference between “the law” and “justice.” Justice Karol highlighted this beautifully by talking about the Indian Constitution.
He noted that the Constitution does not merely ask judges to apply the law correctly. It demands that they apply the law justly.
What does this mean in plain words? Sometimes, strictly following a legal rule might lead to an unfair result for a poor or vulnerable person. A judge’s true responsibility is larger than just deciding who is legally right on paper. They must ensure that the final outcome is fair and humane. The spirit of the Constitution is not just about rules; it is about delivering real justice to the people.
Dharma and the Unheard Voices
To explain the heavy duty placed on the judiciary, Justice Karol used the concept of “Dharma.” In this context, he described Dharma as the institutional responsibility to ensure that even the smallest, most voiceless person is seen and heard.
He pointed out a harsh reality of the Indian legal system: justice is often too distant, too expensive, too intimidating, or simply too slow. Because of these barriers, many people can never even reach the courts.
He urged his colleagues to remain constantly aware of these unseen citizens. The true importance of the Supreme Court does not just lie in solving massive constitutional debates. Its real power lies in giving the ordinary citizen the comforting belief that someone, somewhere, will listen to their problems.
A Special Message for Young Lawyers
For the young advocates and law students who often feel nervous stepping into grand courtrooms, Justice Karol had words of deep encouragement.
He asked young lawyers never to be intimidated or frightened into silence by the heavy presence of the judges. He urged them to stand up and argue their cases. Even if their arguments are modest or imperfect, speaking up is exactly what the legal institution needs to survive and thrive.
He gave them a golden rule for a successful legal career:
- Value fairness over personal advantage.
- Always be prepared.
- Maintain courtesy in the courtroom.
- Stick to your principles.
Living the Constitution Every Day
Justice Karol left the audience with a thought that applies to every single Indian, not just those in the legal profession. He stated that constitutional values should not just be something we demand from the government or the State.
We must practice the Constitution in our daily lives. Every day, we are called upon to be “judges” of our own choices. Whether we choose to forgive, whether we pause and think before reacting, and whether we treat others with dignity—these are all small acts of justice.
Even when there is no courtroom and no formal judgment to pass, how we treat one another is the true test of our constitutional promise.
Why This Matters For You
When a retiring Supreme Court judge speaks so openly about the flaws and duties of the legal system, it reassures the public. It shows that the people sitting at the top of the justice system are aware of the common man’s struggles. It is a reminder that the law is not just a weapon for the powerful, but a shield for the weak.
The Takeaway: The law is not meant to be a cold, mechanical set of rules; it is a living, breathing tool meant to serve humanity with empathy, humility, and true justice.
Story reported by Supreme Court – High Court – Legal Breaking News | Live Law India. This article is BareLaw’s independent explanation and analysis.
