New Delhi, Jan 31: On Friday, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna praised retiring judge Justice Hrishikesh Roy for his exceptional “legal acumen, knowledge, and reasonableness,” calling him “a complete man.”
During a ceremonial bench held on Justice Roy’s final working day, the CJI remarked on how the judge’s balanced demeanor and sense of humor made courtroom proceedings more manageable.
“He is truly a remarkable individual. His sense of humor lightened our challenges. His extraordinary balanced approach, both in court and elsewhere, alongside his unwavering patience and calmness, positively influenced all of us,” the CJI expressed.
He added, “Conversing with him is engaging with someone of immense knowledge and wisdom. Such a well-rounded person is rare to find, and his absence will be felt deeply.” Attorney General R. Venkataramani noted that Justice Roy believed that “a smile is a curve that sets many things right.”
“Your unique charm has contributed significantly to the productivity of the bar,” said Venkataramani.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta echoed these sentiments, stating that Justice Roy’s humor helped ease courtroom tensions.
Supreme Court Bar Association president and senior advocate Kapil Sibal commended Justice Roy’s compassionate approach to law and highlighted his initiatives to provide relief during the Assam floods.
“You possess an old-world charm that will be missed for years in the courtroom, and your boldness is a rare quality among judges,” Sibal remarked.
Reflecting on his career, Justice Roy said, “I hope that throughout my 23 years, I have delivered justice. As I leave Court 1, I hope my parents feel I have lived up to their expectations.” Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati described Justice Roy’s courtroom presence as resembling that of “Buddha,” marked by calmness and composure.
Justice Roy participated in several Constitutional benches, delivering significant verdicts related to Euthanasia guidelines, the committee for appointing election commissioners, and the practice of Jallikattu. He was born on February 1, 1960, and earned his LLB degree from the Campus Law Centre of Delhi University in 1982.
Justice Roy was sworn in as a Supreme Court judge on September 23, 2019, following his tenure as Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court from August 8, 2018. His judicial journey began when he was appointed an additional judge of the Gauhati High Court on October 12, 2006, before becoming a permanent judge on July 15, 2008. He was designated a senior advocate by the Gauhati High Court on December 21, 2004.
As head of the Arunachal Pradesh Legal Services Authority, Justice Roy produced “Apne Ajnabi,” a short film addressing racial prejudice and highlighting the importance of legal aid for the underprivileged under the Legal Services Authority Act of 1987.
In his capacity as the executive head of the Assam State Legal Services Authority, he launched outreach programs aimed at improving access to justice for marginalized communities. Furthermore, he led training sessions for judicial officers under the Gauhati High Court and was nominated to the National Judicial Academic Council, which was chaired by the then Chief Justice of India.
During his tenure, the ATMAN newsletter was published regularly for the Gauhati High Court for a decade. (PTI)
