Meet Justice Sanjay Karol and his Notable Judicial decisions
- ByPravleen Kaur --
- 18 Jun 2025 --
- 0 Comments
Justice Sanjay Karol, born on August 23, 1961, in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, is a sitting judge of the Supreme Court of India, elevated in February 2023. He has previously served as Chief Justice of the Patna High Court and Tripura High Court, and as Acting Chief Justice and judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Justice Karol’s legal career spans constitutional, criminal, civil, taxation, and corporate law, and he is known for his administrative acumen and commitment to judicial reforms.
Justice Karol’s leadership as Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court was particularly notable for drastically reducing case pendency—from over 60,000 to under 27,000 in less than a year—through active case management and systemic reforms. As Chief Justice of Patna High Court, he also served as Chancellor of Chanakya National Law University and was recognized for his efforts to modernize court processes and promote legal education.
Landmark Judgments
1. National Policy on Genetically Mutated Crops:
Justice Karol authored a significant Supreme Court judgment addressing the regulatory framework for genetically mutated crops. The decision emphasized the need for a robust national policy balancing agricultural innovation with environmental and health safeguards, reflecting his approach to complex, multidisciplinary legal issues.
2. Jet Airways Workmen Case:
In a landmark ruling, Justice Karol held that beneficial standing orders must prevail over employer-employee agreements. The Supreme Court, under his judgment, ruled that workmen temporarily engaged with Jet Airways were entitled to permanency, reinforcing labor rights and the principle of beneficial interpretation in labor law.
3. Administrative Law and Judicial Review:
Justice Karol has contributed to several Constitution Bench judgments upholding the rule of law and safeguarding fundamental and human rights. His jurisprudence often stresses the importance of judicial review, procedural fairness, and the protection of marginalized groups.
4. Legal Services and Access to Justice:
As patron-in-chief of various State Legal Services Authorities, Justice Karol has championed legal aid and access to justice, ensuring that underprivileged litigants receive effective representation and support.
Justice Karol’s judgments and administrative initiatives reflect a deep commitment to constitutional values, judicial efficiency, and social justice. His tenure in the Supreme Court is marked by clarity, reform-mindedness, and a focus on balancing legal tradition with contemporary challenges.
RELATED Blog
0 comments