National Desk, 23rd November: In a somber moment for the Indian judiciary, Justice M. Fathima Beevi, the pioneering jurist, breathed her last on November 23, 2023, at the age of 96. The demise of the trailblazer marks the end of an era, as she was a trailblazer in the legal realm, notably serving as the first female judge of the Supreme Court of India.
Born on April 30, 1927, in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, Justice Beevi’s historic journey began after obtaining her Bachelor of Laws degree from the Government Law College in Thiruvananthapuram. Her legal career commenced on November 14, 1950, and she steadily climbed the judicial ladder, reaching the position of a Munsiff within eight years. The pinnacle of her career came with her appointment as a High Court judge in August 1983, followed by the groundbreaking moment when she took her place as the first female Supreme Court judge on October 6, 1989.
Justice Beevi’s contributions extended beyond the courtroom. After retiring from the Supreme Court in 1992, she assumed the role of the Governor of Tamil Nadu from January 25, 1997, to July 3, 2001. While her tenure as governor faced challenges, including political upheaval and her subsequent resignation, her legacy as a trailblazer in the Indian legal system remained intact.
Her passing elicited expressions of grief from across the nation. State Health Minister Veena George acknowledged Justice Beevi as a “brave woman” with an impressive record. The minister emphasized Justice Beevi’s ability to overcome adversity with willpower and purpose, leaving an enduring impact on India’s legal history.
Justice Fathima Beevi’s groundbreaking career, breaking gender and religious barriers, serves as an inspiration for generations of women in the legal profession. Her death is mourned as a significant loss to the nation, yet her pioneering spirit and dedication to public service will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.