Justice CT Ravikumar, who retired as a Supreme Court judge on January 5 following a three-year tenure, on Wednesday underscored the primacy of merit in judicial appointments, dismissing the idea of reservation for marginalized communities in constitutional courts despite hailing from a Scheduled Caste background. In an interview, he also spoke to Utkarsh Anand about the evolving landscape of the judiciary, docket explosion, the role of AI, and the scrutiny brought about by social media.
Edited excerpts:
Your journey from a modest background to the Supreme Court exemplifies resilience and determination. Do you believe the judiciary has enough mechanisms to ensure diversity on the bench, particularly representation from marginalized communities?
My simple answer is that the judiciary does have this mechanism, and I believe it will continue to exist. If it weren't so, I wouldn't have been in this position. But people from marginalized communities must make themselves fit enough to come within the zone of consideration. Regardless of background and source of appointment, everyone elevated as a judge has to perform the same duties. Therefore, competence and qualification are paramount. It's your responsibility to ensure that you are fit for the role, and it is then up to others to identify and elevate deserving individuals.
Coming from a Scheduled Caste community, what challenges did you face in ascending the judicial ladder?
It was challenging, especially as a first-generation lawyer. Starting from Mavelikara (a small town in Kerala's Alappuzha district) and transitioning to practice in the high court was not easy, particularly due to financial constraints and the lack of professional support. I had to build everything from scratch. My wife's unwavering support was pivotal during difficult times. She stood by me as a pillar, sharing both pain and joy, and that made all the difference.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 09, 2025 من Hindustan Times Haryana.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 09, 2025 من Hindustan Times Haryana.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
AFI Reworks National Camp Plan for Athletes
AFI's new policy on training
Newcastle win at Arsenal to put one foot in the final
Newcastle took a giant stride towards the League Cup final as goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon earned a 2-0 semi-final, first leg lead at Arsenal on Tuesday.
Friendship, coaching rivalry and cricket connections
Sitting in the stands of the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Craig Fulton was observing the Indian players in a training session of Hockey India League (HIL) franchise Team Gonasika.
Chasing history, Spaniard seeks big push Down Under
Alcaraz, who owns 4 Grand Slam titles, will have to shake off his habit of a slow start every season
All eyes on Rohit, Bumrah and Shami in CT selection
Selectors are due to name India's squad for the Feb 22-March 9 ICC Champions Trophy on Saturday
Australia tour rubble shows domestic cricket deserves more respect
India suffered two shattering jolts – first New Zealand and now Australia – but in the gloom there is a silver lining, what teams call 'positives'.
Gold import revision cuts Nov trade deficit by $5 bn
India's record trade deficit for November has been revised downward to $32.8 billion from $37.8 billion, after the government made a sharp correction in gold import data.
India Inc. focuses on core areas with exits, buyouts
Stick to your knitting. That's the latest motto for many large Indian companies as they go for demergers and selloffs, while some of them snap up businesses in their primary focus areas.
Govt aims to recover over ₹46.57 lakh cr in tax arrears
The government is making a concerted effort to recover direct and indirect tax arrears amounting to over ₹46.57 lakh crore, with the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) launching a campaign to recover ₹14.97 lakh crore net collectible demands and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), ₹4.27 lakh crore, two officials said.
Allcargo to sell stake in Gati
Allcargo Logistics Ltd is looking to sell 25-40% stake in its subsidiary Allcargo Gati Ltd which it acquired nearly five years ago, two people aware of the development said.