Justice Fathima Beevi, the pioneering figure who broke barriers as the first Muslim woman judge in the Supreme Court, passed away at the age of 96 in a private hospital in Kollam, Kerala. Her historic appointment served as an inspiration for women entering the legal profession, becoming a symbol of gender justice and empowerment.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolences, highlighting Justice Beevi’s life as a remarkable chapter in women’s empowerment. He emphasized her unique strength in overcoming obstacles and noted her contributions to constitutional matters during her tenure as the governor of Tamil Nadu.
Justice Beevi, born in Pathanamthitta in 1927, was the eldest of eight children. Her father, Annaveetil Meera Sahib, a government employee, played a crucial role in supporting and encouraging the education of his children, particularly his six daughters, at a time when educational opportunities for Muslim girls were limited.
Having completed her schooling at Catholicate School in Pathanamthitta in 1943 and graduated in Chemistry from Women’s College, Justice Beevi initially aspired for a post-graduation in Chemistry. However, her father, inspired by the story of Anna Chandy, the first woman judicial officer in Travancore, persuaded her to pursue a law course, believing it would open more opportunities for career advancement.
In 1950, Justice Beevi made history by becoming the first woman law graduate to receive the gold medal from the Bar Council after passing the mandatory exam for enrollment as a lawyer. She continued to break barriers, entering the judicial service as a munsiff in 1958 and eventually becoming a district sessions judge in 1974.
Apart from her accomplishments in the legal profession, Justice Beevi served as the governor of Tamil Nadu from 1997 to 2001. Her legacy extends beyond her individual achievements, standing as an inspiration for the entire society, particularly women, and contributing to Kerala’s recognition as the state that produced the country’s first woman judge.
