Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna praised retiring Justice Hrishikesh Roy for his exceptional legal skills, humor, and balanced demeanor during a farewell ceremony. Justice Roy’s contributions over 23 years included key rulings on vital issues and leading legal outreach programs. His compassionate approach and legacy in judiciary will inspire future generations of legal professionals.
New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna on Friday lauded retiring Supreme Court judge Justice Hrishikesh Roy, describing him as “a complete man” known for his legal acumen, balanced approach, and exceptional sense of humour.
During a ceremonial bench session on his last working day, CJI Khanna praised Justice Roy’s patience, calmness, and ability to make legal proceedings smoother with his wit.
“He was a complete man. His sense of humour made things easy. His balanced approach in court or otherwise was extraordinary. That apart, his patience, calmness, and demeanour had an impact on all of us,”
the CJI shared.
Justice Roy’s colleagues and members of the legal fraternity expressed their admiration for his contributions to the judiciary.
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Attorney General R Venkataramani remarked,
“Justice Roy believed a smile is a curve which can set many things straight. You carried a rare charm which made the bar productive.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta echoed this sentiment, stating that Justice Roy’s humour eased tension in the courtroom.
Senior advocate and Supreme Court Bar Association President Kapil Sibal praised Justice Roy’s humane approach to law and his boldness.
“You have an old-school charm which will be missed in the court for years to come, and your boldness is something very few judges have,”
Sibal said, also highlighting Justice Roy’s efforts in providing relief during Assam floods.
On his farewell day, Justice Roy reflected on his journey spanning 23 years in the judiciary.
“I hope in my 23 years of career I did justice. Finally, as I exit from Court 1, I hope my parents feel that I fulfilled their expectations,”
he said.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati noted that Justice Roy’s courtroom had a “Buddha-like” atmosphere, characterized by composure and wisdom.
Justice Roy was a part of several Constitution Bench rulings on crucial matters, including:
- Euthanasia guidelines
- Setting up a committee for appointing Election Commissioners
- Upholding the practice of Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu
Born on February 1, 1960, Justice Roy earned his LLB from Delhi University’s Campus Law Centre in 1982. His judicial journey included:
- Appointed Additional Judge of the Gauhati High Court on October 12, 2006
- Became a Permanent Judge on July 15, 2008
- Designated a Senior Advocate by the Gauhati High Court in 2004
- Became Chief Justice of Kerala High Court on August 8, 2018
- Took oath as a Supreme Court Judge on September 23, 2019
Justice Roy’s dedication to access to justice was evident through his leadership in legal outreach programs.
- As the Executive Head of the Assam State Legal Services Authority, he implemented initiatives to ensure justice for marginalized communities.
- He spearheaded training programs for judicial officers under the Gauhati High Court and was a member of the National Judicial Academic Council.
His passion for legal awareness also extended into filmmaking. As part of the Arunachal Pradesh Legal Services Authority, Justice Roy produced Apne Ajnabi, a short film highlighting racial prejudice and legal aid.
Justice Roy’s wisdom, compassion, and sense of humour have left a deep impact on the legal fraternity. As he steps into retirement, the Supreme Court bids farewell to a judge whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of legal professionals.
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