• UGI USER
  • Nov 24, 2023
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JUSTICE FATHIMA BEEVI: A TRAILBLAZER FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Why in the News?

  • Justice Fathima Beevi, first female judge of Supreme court Passes away .
Source: The Statesman

Pioneering Achievements

  • Appointed in 1989, Justice Fathima Beevi was the first woman judge of the Supreme Court, setting a powerful example for women in law.
  • Her landmark appointment inspired countless women to pursue legal careers.

Icon of Gender Justice

  • Known for her dedication to gender justice, Justice Beevi also served as the Governor of Tamil Nadu and as a member of the National Human Rights Commission.
  • Her life epitomized the empowerment of women, overcoming societal barriers.

Educational Aspirations

  • Born in Pathanamthitta in 1927, Justice Beevi’s father, Annaveetil Meera Sahib, supported and encouraged her education at a time when it was uncommon for Muslim girls to pursue higher studies.

Educational Journey

  • Graduating in chemistry from Women’s College, she later pursued law at the Government Law College in Thiruvananthapuram, marking the beginning of her historic legal career.
  • Against initial plans for post-graduation in chemistry, she followed her father’s advice to climb the legal ladder.

Trailblazing Legal Career

  • Breaking societal norms, Justice Beevi became the first woman law graduate to receive the gold medal from the Bar Council in 1950.
  • Despite facing initial resistance in the courtroom due to her headscarf, she shattered glass ceilings as a junior advocate and later as a district sessions judge.

Supreme Court Tenure

  • Elevated to the Supreme Court in 1989, she served with distinction until her retirement in 1992.
  • Notably, she contributed to a crucial verdict related to provisions of the Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Reservation of Appointments) Act in 1991.

Upholding Constitutional Safeguards

  • In a landmark ruling, Justice Beevi emphasized the protection of citizens against arbitrary state authority, underscoring the duty to act judicially when deciding matters that impact individuals.

Post-Retirement Contributions

  • Post-retirement, she served as a member of the National Human Rights Commission until 1997 and later as the Governor of Tamil Nadu.
  • Her handling of mercy pleas in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case gained attention and showcased her commitment to justice.

Justice Fathima Beevi’s journey remains a remarkable chapter in women’s empowerment, leaving an enduring legacy in the legal landscape and inspiring generations of women in India.