New Delhi: Outgoing Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on Sunday strongly defended the collegium system for appointing judges, made a strong case for exclusion of affluent people from the Scheduled Caste quota, and regretted not appointing any women judges during his tenure in the top court.

In a candid, informal interaction with journalists at his official residence, the 52nd CJI, first Buddhist and second Dalit to helm the Indian judiciary after K G Balakrishnan, said he was leaving the institution “with a full sense of satisfaction and contentment” and reiterated his resolve not to accept any post-retirement assignments.

“I made it clear when I took office that I am not going to accept any post-retirement official assignment. For the next 9-10 days, it’s a cooling-off period. After t

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