š° A Chief Justice Who Happened to Be a Dalit: The Story Behind the Silence āļøšļø
- MediaFx
- Oct 18, 2025
- 2 min read
TL;DR:An opinion piece on GreatAndhraĀ reflects on how Indiaās judiciary treated a Dalit Chief JusticeĀ ā praised publicly, but quietly isolated within elite circles. šļø It raises uncomfortable questions about caste bias, institutional hierarchy, and selective celebration of diversity.
What Happened?
The article revisits the career of a recent Chief Justice of India, who came from a Dalit background ā a rarity in Indian judicial history.
Though hailed as a symbol of progress, insiders allegedly viewed him as an āoutsider,ā limiting his influence in key judicial and collegium decisions.
The piece suggests that while the system projects inclusion, social hierarchy subtly shapes power and perceptionĀ even in constitutional spaces.
Flashback / Context
India has had very few Dalit Chief Justices ā a stark reminder of how representation in top judicial posts remains minimal despite decades of reservation policy.
The story draws parallels to how media and bureaucracy often celebrate āfirsts,ā but fail to dismantle the deeper prejudice that follows.
The writer points out that the justiceās decisions, though fair and reform-driven, were often sidelined or under-reported.
Who Gains & Who Loses?
Gains:Ā Readers and citizens who demand accountability and equality in institutions.
Losses:Ā Indiaās moral credibility when merit and caste are still seen in conflict.
Institutions:Ā Lose public trust if diversity is symbolic, not structural.
Peopleās Angle
For young Indians, especially from marginalised backgrounds, this story resonates deeply ā representation should empower, not isolate. š¬ True equality begins when oneās identity isnāt a footnote in oneās success.
MediaFx Take
A nation that worships its Constitution must also confront its caste shadows. āļø Progress is not achieved when a Dalit becomes Chief Justice ā itās achieved when his identity no longer needs defending.
