Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Justice Sanjay Karol Retires After Humane, Accessible Judicial Career
Justice Sanjay Karol has retired from India’s Supreme Court.
Many young lawyers called him “Chachaji” because he was kind and encouraging.
He gave nearly 500 young lawyers opportunities to help courts as amicus curiae.
He also made important decisions about fairness and dignity.
In one case, he said that homemakers’ unpaid work has real economic value.
This helped increase compensation for a woman’s family from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 63 lakh.
He also said railway passengers should not be described as “second class.”
People remember him for helping others, including a sick milkman and people who needed food during the pandemic.
Justice Sanjay Karol retired from the Supreme Court on Saturday after a judicial career spanning nearly two decades.
Known as “Chachaji,” he appointed nearly 500 young lawyers as amicus curiae and encouraged junior advocates.
A June 11, 2026 judgment recognized the economic value of homemakers’ unpaid work and increased compensation from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 63 lakh.
Justice Karol also ruled that the Railways should avoid calling passengers “second class,” citing concerns about dignity and language.
He served in the Himachal Pradesh, Tripura and Patna high courts, and helped arrange food for people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Who
- Justice Sanjay Karol, a former Supreme Court judge, retired.
- What
- He concluded his judicial career after serving in the Supreme Court and several high courts.
- When
- He retired on Saturday; one of his notable judgments was delivered on June 11, 2026.
- Where
- His judicial service included the Supreme Court, the Himachal Pradesh High Court, the Tripura High Court and the Patna High Court.
- Why
- His retirement marked the end of his judicial journey and prompted recognition of his humane approach, support for young lawyers and important rulings.
- Nickname
- Justice Karol was known as “Chachaji” among members of the Bar.
- Young lawyers supported
- He appointed nearly 500 young lawyers as amicus curiae in different cases.
- Homemaker compensation ruling
- He assessed a deceased homemaker’s contribution at Rs 30,000 per month.
- Compensation enhanced
- The Supreme Court increased the family’s compensation from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 63 lakh.
- Railway language ruling
- He held that the Railways should avoid referring to passengers as “second class.”
- Judicial appointments
- He became a judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on March 8, 2007, and Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court on November 14, 2018.
- Pandemic response
- While heading the Patna High Court during COVID-19, he took steps to arrange food for people in need.