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.