Born in Kerala in 1927, Justice Fathima M. Beevi’s journey in law began under the encouragement of her father. She achieved a significant milestone early in her career by topping the Bar Council exam in 1950, becoming the first woman to receive a Bar Council gold medal. This achievement was just the beginning of a series of groundbreaking accomplishments in her illustrious career.
Justice Fathima M. Beevi, a trailblazer in the Indian judiciary, has been posthumously honored with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award. Her remarkable career, which saw her become the first Muslim woman in the higher judiciary and the first woman Supreme Court judge in Asia, has left an indelible mark on the legal landscape of India.
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Born in Kerala in 1927, Justice Beevi’s journey in law began under the encouragement of her father. She achieved a significant milestone early in her career by topping the Bar Council exam in 1950, becoming the first woman to receive a Bar Council gold medal. This achievement was just the beginning of a series of groundbreaking accomplishments in her illustrious career.
Justice Fathima M. Beevi started as an advocate in Kerala and steadily climbed the ranks of the judiciary. Her dedication and expertise led to her appointment as a district and sessions judge in 1974. In 1980, she joined the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, and in 1983, she was appointed as a High Court judge. Her historic appointment to the Supreme Court in 1989 broke new ground, as she became the first woman to hold such a position in Asia, setting a precedent for future generations.
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During her tenure as a Supreme Court judge, Justice Beevi was known for her profound legal acumen and her commitment to justice. Her contributions extended beyond the courtroom, as she served as a member of the National Human Rights Commission after retiring in 1993. She also held the position of Governor of Tamil Nadu, a role from which she resigned following her decision to reject the mercy petitions filed by four condemned prisoners in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.
Justice Fathima M. Beevi assing at the age of 96 in November last year was a significant loss to the legal community. However, her legacy continues to inspire and pave the way for women in the legal profession. The Padma Bhushan award, one of India’s highest civilian honors, is a fitting tribute to her remarkable contributions to the judiciary and her pioneering role as a woman in a field traditionally dominated by men. Her life and career stand as a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of justice.
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