On January 31, 2025, the Supreme Court of India bid a heartfelt farewell to Justice Hrishikesh Roy, marking the conclusion of his illustrious judicial career. A ceremonial bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, honored his unwavering commitment to justice, legal brilliance, and compassionate nature. The courtroom was filled with emotion as members of the bar, senior advocates, and colleagues expressed their admiration and gratitude for Justice Roy’s profound contributions to the Indian legal system.
Tributes from the Legal Fraternity: A Judge Loved by All
During the farewell proceedings, leading figures from the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) shared their thoughts, highlighting Justice Roy’s humane approach, sharp legal acumen, and deep sense of fairness. His ability to balance discipline with kindness made him a beloved figure in the judiciary.
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Attorney General for India, R Venkataramani, reflected on Justice Roy’s ever-present smile, stating that he firmly believed "a smile is a curve that can set many things straight." His ability to remain calm and composed, even in high-pressure situations, made him a respected figure among both colleagues and young lawyers.
Echoing similar sentiments, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta remarked how Justice Roy’s humor played a crucial role in easing courtroom tensions, ensuring a more balanced and productive environment.
Beyond the Bench: Justice Roy’s Humanitarian Contributions
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, President of the SCBA, shed light on Justice Roy’s contributions beyond the legal field, emphasizing his deep sense of empathy and service. He praised his:
- Efforts in arranging relief during the Assam floods to aid affected communities.
- Ability to communicate with the deaf and mute community through sign language.
- Support for young lawyers, ensuring they never felt isolated at professional gatherings.
"You have an old-school charm that will be deeply missed in the court, and your boldness is something very few judges possess," said Sibal.
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Justice Hrishikesh Roy’s journey was closely tied to spiritual and cultural blessings. Vipin Nair, President of SCAORA, acknowledged how he received blessings from:
- Kamakhya Devi in Assam, when he was appointed as a Judge of the Gauhati High Court.
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala, upon becoming the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court.
These divine connections symbolized the deep-rooted values and traditions that Justice Roy carried throughout his career.
A Man of Many Talents: Sports, Theatre, and Literature
Justice Sanjay Kumar reminisced about Justice Roy’s younger days as an outstanding sportsman. He was a hockey and football champion during his school years at Delhi Public School (DPS). A memorable highlight was DPS defeating Modern School in a legendary match, with Justice Roy playing a pivotal role in the victory. In recent years, he developed a passion for golf, showcasing his ever-evolving interests.
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Justice Roy’s love for arts and literature was widely recognized. Justice Kumar recalled how, during his years as a lawyer, he directed plays and frequently attended theatre performances with his law clerks. His passion for reading was equally strong, as he often gifted books to friends and colleagues, encouraging intellectual growth.
Memorable Reflections on His Legal Journey
Justice Roy fondly recalled his first appearance before the Supreme Court in 1982, sharing an amusing incident:
"To my great horror, I was saying ‘Passover,’ but no sound was coming—my vocal cords froze! That was my first appearance. I am sure this is how all of us have learned."
This humility and willingness to acknowledge his early struggles made him a role model for young advocates. He also expressed his commitment to junior lawyers, ensuring that their names were always recorded in court proceedings, just as he had once eagerly awaited seeing his own name.
As he bid farewell, Justice Roy reflected on his journey, stating:
"I hope in my 23-year career, I did justice. Finally, as I exit from Court 1, I hope my parents feel that I fulfilled their expectations."
A Legacy of Excellence: Justice Roy’s Career Milestones
Born on February 1, 1960, Justice Hrishikesh Roy pursued his LL.B degree at Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, graduating in 1982. His career milestones include:
- December 21, 2004 – Designated as a Senior Advocate by the Gauhati High Court
- October 12, 2006 – Appointed as an Additional Judge of the Gauhati High Court.
- July 15, 2008 – Elevated as a permanent Judge of the Gauhati High Court.
- August 2018 – Became the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court
- September 23, 2019 – Elevated to the Supreme Court of India.
His remarkable judicial career was defined by integrity, fairness, and a deep commitment to upholding the Constitution.
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ustice Hrishikesh Roy’s legacy of fairness, wisdom, and compassion will continue to inspire generations of lawyers and judges. His contributions to law, his kindness towards colleagues, and his humanitarian efforts have left an indelible mark on the Indian judiciary.
As the Supreme Court bids farewell to one of its most respected and beloved judges, his journey remains a testament to the power of humility, dedication, and an unwavering pursuit of justice.
