Justice KM Joseph stated on his last day as a Supreme Court Judge that he would take any compliments given to him with a generous pinch of salt.
The judge maintained a healthy scepticism while sitting on a ceremonial bench with Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha.
“All that you have said, I take with a generous pinch of salt because it is customary, and I would be naive if I took it at face value,” Justice Joseph said, thanking the bar and his brother judges.
“Thank you for everything you’ve said and perhaps what you haven’t,” he continued.
While bidding Justice Joseph farewell, the CJI expressed his mixed feelings of nostalgia and sadness. He also said that the two had been childhood buddies.
“We’ve been friends since we were kids, and he was my first friend in Delhi when I moved here. We shared a bench in COVID and it was as if we could read each other’s minds,” CJI stated.
The CJI concluded by remarking that the retiring judge inherited the integrity and enthusiasm from his father, late Justice KK Mathew, a former Supreme Court judge.
Attorney General R Venkataramani expressed gratitude to Justice Joseph on behalf of the institution and the bar.
“I’ve appeared in front of him on numerous occasions. There are so many memories… when judges take their oath, there are qualities which play a role in the decision-making process, and he is a prime-example. I hope to see you at our other events as well,” he stated.
Tushar Mehta, the Solicitor General (SG), reiterated these thoughts.
“I agree with what the AG says. I hope his lordship has a healthy retirement,” the SG stated.
Adish C Aggarwala, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, also wished Joseph a happy retirement.
Justice Joseph’s personal devotion to social justice was hailed by Senior Advocate Anitha Shenoy.
“You are personally committed to social justice, and you elevated every level of discourse. May God bless you with plenty and good health, as well as a life filled with music. All the very very best,” she stated.
Senior Advocate AM Singhvi stated that the court is losing an asset today.
“I remember the Uttarakhand matter for a long time… here was a judge who said what you make about page 5 of the Bommai judgement… that was him… he read each and every case and he decided only on merits and nothing else could affect him,” the senior counsel recalled.
