Supreme Court Bids Adieu To Justice Hrishikesh Roy
In a poignant ceremony held at the Supreme Court on January 31, Justice Hrishikesh Roy was accorded a heartfelt farewell upon his retirement. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna presided over the event, which served as an acknowledgment of Justice Roy’s distinguished service and invaluable contributions to the judiciary.
Throughout the proceedings, members of the legal fraternity commended Justice Roy for his judicious temperament and empathetic approach to the dispensation of justice. Attorney General R. Venkataramani remarked upon Justice Roy’s ever-present smile, even in the midst of the most arduous court proceedings, interpreting it as a reflection of his ability to defuse tensions and navigate complex matters with poise and warmth. This perspective was reinforced by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who emphasized how Justice Roy’s sense of humour often alleviated the inherent pressures of courtroom proceedings.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, extolled Justice Roy’s deep sense of empathy and his proactive engagement in times of crisis, citing his notable interventions during the Assam floods. Sibal further lauded Justice Roy’s ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, highlighting his commendable effort in using sign language to communicate with individuals with hearing impairments. Distinguished members of the legal community paid additional tributes, describing Justice Roy’s courtroom as an environment of serenity, akin to the tranquil presence of Buddha. His balanced disposition—seamlessly integrating humour with judicial sternness—was acknowledged as a hallmark of his tenure, one that will be profoundly missed.
Chief Justice Khanna offered high praise for Justice Roy’s exemplary legal acumen and multifaceted personality, recognizing his deep-seated passion for the arts, sports, and literature. Justice Sanjay Kumar supplemented these tributes with anecdotes from Justice Roy’s early years, recounting his involvement in athletics during his schooling as well as his artistic contributions, both as an advocate and a judge.
Reflecting upon his judicial career, which spanned over two decades, Justice Roy shared an anecdote from his inaugural court appearance in 1982, delivered with characteristic humility and humour. He expressed his earnest hope that his tenure had fulfilled the expectations of both the legal profession and his family.
Born on February 1, 1960, Justice Roy embarked on his legal journey after obtaining an LL.B. degree from the Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, in 1982. His illustrious career saw him designated as a Senior Advocate by the Gauhati High Court in 2004, subsequently appointed as a judge of the same court. He later ascended to the position of Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court before being elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019. As the legal fraternity bids farewell to Justice Roy, his legacy endures—a legacy defined by judicial compassion, dedication to the arts, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of justice, serving as an enduring inspiration for future generations.
