Justice Hrishikesh Roy received an emotional farewell from the Supreme Court, where he was celebrated for his judicial career and diverse talents including theater and music. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna praised his unique personality, humor, and compassionate judicial approach. Justice Roy reflected on his 19-year journey, emphasizing the gradual pursuit of justice, inspiring future legal minds.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday bid an emotional farewell to Justice Hrishikesh Roy, celebrating his illustrious judicial career and diverse talents beyond the courtroom. Before adorning the black robes as a lawyer and later as a judge, Justice Roy was a legal correspondent for the Press Trust of India (PTI), a theater artist, a music enthusiast, and even a film producer.
Justice Roy, who became a Supreme Court judge on September 23, 2019, recalled his early days in Assam, where he reported legal news for PTI.
“In those times I was the legal correspondent… Press Trust of India, and my law reports were often published. I was also enjoying my theatre exposure. Somehow, I also got roped into doing law-related programs for the Guwahati doors,”
Justice Roy shared on his last working day.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna lauded Justice Roy as a “unique judge” with a vibrant personality and remarkable wit.
“Justice Roy is one of those rare personalities whose genius extends beyond the profession. While we are lucky to have Justice Roy – the judge, he would have been equally successful as Justice Roy – the actor, a quizmaster, or perhaps in today’s world – a standup comedian,”
said CJI Khanna at a farewell function organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association.
Justice Roy’s sense of humor and sharp observations were legendary in legal circles.
“I can attest that he delivers the most perfectly timed one-liners. For instance, I remember how during the screening of the movie ‘Laapataa Ladies’ in the Supreme Court, Justice Roy quipped about finding the ‘Laapataa Gentlemen’ as well,”
CJI Khanna recalled.
However, beyond humor, Justice Roy’s judicial approach was deeply compassionate.
“Through respectful treatment of both litigants and juniors, he has shown how courts can maintain their authority without losing sight of how individual lives are impacted,”
the CJI noted.
Justice Roy always encouraged young lawyers, ensuring they felt acknowledged.
“He makes it a point to ask for the counsel’s name in every matter, a gesture which has motivated young members at the Bar,”
he added.
Justice Roy’s love for theatre, trivia, and music was well known. He even served as the president of the Guwahati Music Society and had an IMDB credit as a producer of the film Apne Ajnabi, which tackled racial prejudice.
“Justice Roy swears by his love for theatre — a passion he shares with those around him, often encouraging his law clerks and interns to attend plays,”
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said CJI Khanna.
During his tenure at the Supreme Court, Justice Roy contributed to several significant judgments, including:
- Passive euthanasia (2023 Constitution Bench Verdict)
- Setting up a panel for selecting Chief Election Commissioners
- Ruling that light motor vehicle license holders can drive transport vehicles up to 7,500 kg
- Upholding the validity of Tamil Nadu’s bull-taming sport, Jallikattu
Reflecting on his judicial journey of 19 years, Justice Roy said:
“I started with an idealistic notion, believing that I will be the voice of reason and the champion of justice. But now I believe justice is not to be taken by storm. She is to be moved by slow advance over the years. As I bid farewell, I do so with a heart brimming with appreciation for those who paved the way before me and those who will carry the torch forward.”
As the Supreme Court bids goodbye to Justice Hrishikesh Roy, his wit, wisdom, and warmth will continue to inspire generations of legal minds.
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