Dalits not duly represented in higher judiciary

Justice (R) C T Ravikumar, who became the fourth Dalit judge to be elevated to the Supreme Court, retired on January 5 after serving three years in the top court. He tells Suchitra Kalyan Mohanty his struggles, journey to the Supreme Court, the challenges he faced as a Dalit judge, and other issues confronting the judiciary. Excerpts:

- Suchitra Kalyan Mohanty

USTICE (R) C T Ravikumar, who became the fourth Dalit judge to be elevated to the Supreme Court, retired on January 5 after serving three years in the top court. He tells Suchitra Kalyan Mohanty his struggles, journey to the Supreme Court, the challenges he faced as a Dalit judge, and other issues confronting the judiciary. Excerpts:

Humility sets you apart. How would you describe your elevation to SC as a judge, considering your background from a marginalized community?

I will always be grateful to the SC Collegium for considering my merit rather than my caste. The Collegium, headed by the now-retired CJI NV Ramana, believed that I qualified to be a Supreme Court judge, hence, gave me the opportunity. Former CJI K G Balakrishnan also played a significant role in shaping my career.

How did it all begin? Did you always aspire to be a judge?