Justice Sanjay Karol, Known as 'Chachaji' In Supreme Court, Retires

Justice Sanjay Karol retired from the Supreme Court on Saturday, bringing to a close a judicial career spanning nearly two decades. Known for his simple, approachable and compassionate manner, Justice Karol was affectionately called “Chachaji” by members of the Bar. The nickname reflected both his warm relationship with young lawyers and his distinctive appearance, which some associated with the popular comic-book character Chacha Chaudhary. During his tenure, he was particularly recognised for encouraging young advocates and involving them in judicial proceedings.

Justice Karol, who hails from Garli in Himachal Pradesh, the state’s first heritage village, became a judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on March 8, 2007. He later served as Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court from November 14, 2018, before becoming Chief Justice of the Patna High Court. His judicial career was marked by an emphasis on accessibility and concern for people from different sections of society. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while heading the Patna High Court, he also took steps to arrange food for people in need.

One of the significant judgments associated with Justice Karol’s tenure in the Supreme Court concerned the economic value of unpaid household work performed by homemakers. In a judgment delivered on June 11, 2026, he assessed the monthly contribution of a woman who died in a road accident at Rs 30,000 while determining compensation. The assessment led the Supreme Court to enhance the compensation payable to her family to Rs 63 lakh, compared with Rs 8 lakh awarded earlier by the High Court. The judgment placed household responsibilities, childcare and women’s contribution to family life within a broader economic and social framework.

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Justice Karol observed that women’s contribution extends beyond biological reproduction and includes the creation of human capital that supports the country’s economic development. His approach highlighted the importance of recognising work that traditionally remains unpaid and outside conventional economic calculations. In another notable ruling, he held that the Railways should avoid referring to passengers as “second class”, reflecting his concern over language, dignity and the manner in which institutions address members of the public.

His humane approach was also recalled by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during Justice Karol’s farewell ceremony. The CJI referred to an incident from Justice Karol’s time as a judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, when he reportedly saw a milkman collapse by the roadside. Justice Karol stopped his car, assisted the man and ensured that he was taken to hospital for treatment. The episode was cited as an example of his conduct beyond the courtroom and the personal concern he showed towards ordinary people.

Justice Karol’s retirement marks the end of a judicial journey that took him through the Himachal Pradesh, Tripura and Patna High Courts before his elevation to the Supreme Court. His legacy is expected to be remembered not only through his judgments but also through his efforts to give young lawyers opportunities, including appointing nearly 500 advocates as amicus curiae in different cases. For many members of the legal fraternity who knew him as “Chachaji”, his approachable nature, encouragement and emphasis on human dignity remain among the defining aspects of his time on the Bench.

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