"Justice KM Joseph Bids Farewell to Supreme Court with a Skeptical Eye Towards Compliments"
On his final day as a Supreme Court judge, Justice KM Joseph expressed a cautious attitude towards the compliments bestowed upon him. Seated alongside Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha on the ceremonial bench, Justice Joseph emphasized his inclination to take the accolades with a generous pinch of salt.
In his gratitude towards the bar and his fellow judges, Justice Joseph remarked, "I appreciate all that you have said, but I cannot help but approach it with a healthy skepticism. It would be naive of me to accept it at face value." He also extended his gratitude for unspoken words, acknowledging the mixed emotions of nostalgia and sadness that the CJI shared during his farewell.
Highlighting their longstanding friendship, CJI Chandrachud reminisced about their childhood bond and how they had been each other's first friends when he relocated to Delhi. He fondly mentioned their time spent together on the bench during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they seemed to effortlessly understand each other's thoughts.
Expressing the debt owed to Justice Joseph by the institution and the bar, Attorney General R Venkataramani recalled numerous instances of appearing before him and praised his decision-making process, influenced by qualities inherited from his father, the late Justice KK Mathew.
Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta echoed the sentiments of the Attorney General, expressing hope for a healthy retirement for Justice Joseph and inviting his continued involvement in future engagements. Supreme Court Bar Association President Adish C Aggarwala also extended well wishes for a fulfilling retired life.
Senior Advocate Anitha Shenoy commended Justice Joseph's unwavering dedication to social justice, commending his ability to elevate discourse on every level. Senior Advocate AM Singhvi emphasized the loss the court would experience with Justice Joseph's departure, recalling notable cases where the judge's commitment to merit-based decisions was exemplary.
Overall, Justice KM Joseph's parting remarks emphasized his cautious reception of compliments, reminding everyone of the need for critical evaluation and the potential naivety in accepting praise without scrutiny.
TAGS: Justice KM Joseph Supreme Court judge last day compliments pinch of salt naive face value skepticism ceremonial bench Chief Justice of India Justice PS Narasimha gratitude bar brother judges nostalgia childhood friends integrity passion late Justice KK Mathew Attorney General Solicitor General Supreme Court Bar Association President social justice decision-making process retirement farewell.
