Justice M. Fathima Beevi, First Female Supreme Court Judge passes away

Justice M. Fathima Beevi, an iconic figure who etched her name in history as the first female judge to grace the Supreme Court of India passed away at 96, at a private hospital in Kollam, Kerala this morning. Justice Beevi had left an indelible mark on the nation's legal and political landscape.

Hailing from Pandalam, Kerala, Justice Beevi's journey began at the Catholicate High School in Pathanamthitta. She later pursued her Bachelor of Science from University College, Trivandrum, before earning her Bachelor of Law Degree from the prestigious Government Law College. Her advocacy journey commenced when she enrolled as an Advocate on November 14, 1950.

Justice Beevi's ascent through the judicial ranks was nothing short of remarkable. Starting in the lower Judiciary of Kerala in 1950, she climbed the ladder, serving in various capacities such as Munsiff, Subordinate Judge, Chief Judicial Magistrate, District & Sessions Judge, and Judicial Member of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal. In 1983, she achieved the distinction of becoming a High Court Judge, ultimately reaching the pinnacle as a Supreme Court Judge in 1989.

Notably, Justice Beevi wasn't just a trailblazer for her gender but also for her faith. She holds the distinction of being the first Muslim woman appointed to any Higher Judiciary. Moreover, she proudly stands as the first woman Judge of a Supreme Court in Asia, breaking barriers and inspiring generations to come.

Upon her retirement, Justice Beevi continued her service to the nation. She became a member of the National Human Rights Commission and later took on the role of the Governor of Tamil Nadu. During her tenure as Governor, she also served as the Chancellor of Tamil Nadu University, adding educational leadership to her illustrious portfolio.

On March 8, 2023, a documentary titled Neethipathayile Dheera Vanitha (A Brave Woman on the Path of Justice) was screened in Thiruvananthapuram to pay tribute to Justice Fathima Beevi. The 30-minute documentary sheds light on Fathima Beevi’s journey to the Supreme Court, highlighting her groundbreaking role as the first Muslim woman in the higher judiciary and the first woman to become a Supreme Court Justice in an Asian country. The film also acknowledges her receipt of several awards during her illustrious career.

Justice Beevi's tenure as the Governor of Tamil Nadu faced a significant controversy when she resigned after rejecting the mercy petitions filed by four condemned prisoners in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. This bold decision demonstrated her unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law.

As the nation bids farewell to this remarkable jurist, her impact on the judiciary and society at large will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come.

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