India’s first woman Supreme Court judge Justice Fathima Beevi Passes Away

India's first woman Supreme Court judge Justice Fathima Beevi Passes Away

Justice Fathima Beevi, the first female Supreme Court judge, passes away at the age of 96. Her remarkable journey, spanning the corridors of justice and governance, leaves an indelible mark on the nation’s legal landscape.

Early Life and Education:

Justice Fathima Beevi’s life and career stand as a testament to her dedication to justice, equality, and the rule of law. As India mourns the loss of a legal luminary, her legacy will continue to inspire generations of aspiring lawyers and jurists, reminding them of the transformative power of unwavering commitment to justice.

Born in 1927, Justice Beevi embarked on her legal journey by earning her Bachelor of Law Degree from the prestigious Government Law College. She took her first step into the legal realm by enrolling as an advocate on November 14, 1950, setting the stage for a trailblazing career.
Justice Beevi’s ascent in the judicial hierarchy began with her service in the lower Judiciary of Kerala in 1950. From a Munsiff in the Kerala Subordinate Judicial Services to a Subordinate Judge, Chief Judicial Magistrate, and eventually a District and Sessions Judge, she demonstrated unwavering commitment and excellence in every role she undertook.

Historic Appointment to the Higher Judiciary:

Breaking barriers, Justice Fathima Beevi etched her name in history by becoming the first Muslim judge to be appointed to any Higher Judiciary in India. Her elevation to the Supreme Court High Court in 1983 and subsequently to the Supreme Court in 1989 marked a watershed moment in the country’s legal annals.
Post her illustrious judicial career, Justice Beevi continued her service to society as a member of the National Human Rights Commission, championing the cause of justice and human dignity.
Beyond the courtroom, Justice Beevi took on the mantle of leadership as the Governor of Tamil Nadu after her retirement. Her impact extended to the academic sphere, where she served as the Chancellor of Tamil Nadu University, leaving an enduring legacy in the field of education.

Awards and Recognition:

Justice Beevi’s contributions were not only recognized nationally but also globally. She was honored with the Bharat Jyoti Award and the US-India Business Council (USIBC) Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging her exceptional service to the legal fraternity.