In a poignant ceremony at the Supreme Court on 31 January, esteemed Justice Hrishikesh Roy received a heartfelt farewell upon his retirement. Presided over by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, the event celebrated Justice Roy’s significant contributions to the judiciary.
Colleagues and peers universally praised Justice Roy’s compassionate and principled approach to the law. Attorney General R Venkataramani highlighted Justice Roy’s constant smile, which he maintained even during the most challenging court sessions, suggesting it symbolised his ability to ease tensions and smooth difficulties with grace and warmth. This sentiment was echoed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appreciated how Justice Roy’s humour alleviated courtroom pressures.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, lauded Justice Roy’s empathetic nature and his proactive efforts during crises, such as the Assam floods. Sibal remarked on Justice Roy’s engagement with all members of the legal community, noting his unique ability to communicate with people from all walks of life, including using sign language to converse with the hearing impaired.
Further tributes came from various prominent legal figures who celebrated his calm demeanour, comparing his courtroom to a serene, Buddha-like environment. His balanced mix of humour and sternness was also highlighted as a distinctive trait that will be greatly missed.
Chief Justice Khanna praised Justice Roy for his exceptional legal acumen and well-rounded character, noting his passions for arts, sports, and literature. Justice Sanjay Kumar shared anecdotes from Justice Roy’s athletic endeavours during his school days and his artistic contributions as both a lawyer and a judge.
Justice Roy, reflecting on his illustrious career spanning over two decades, shared a humorous yet humble recount of his first court appearance in 1982. He expressed his hope that his tenure had lived up to the expectations of the legal profession and his family.
Born on 1 February 1960, Justice Roy’s legal journey began with an LL.B degree from the Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, in 1982. His career milestones include his designation as Senior Advocate by the Gauhati High Court in 2004, his appointment as a judge of the Gauhati High Court, his tenure as the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, and his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2019.
As the legal community bids farewell to Justice Roy, his legacy of judicial compassion, dedication to the arts, and commitment to justice remains a beacon for future generations.
