Thanya Nathan created history by becoming the first visually impaired candidate to clear Kerala’s Civil Judges (Junior Division) examination, securing the top rank among persons with benchmark disabilities. She is expected to become the state’s first visually impaired judge.
KERALA: Thanya Nathan has made history by becoming the first visually impaired individual to succeed in Kerala’s judiciary exams. She achieved the top position among candidates with disabilities in the Civil Judges (Junior Division) exams.
Nathan, who is completely blind, achieved the top rank among candidates with benchmark disabilities in the recent judicial service examination. She is set to become Kerala’s first visually impaired woman judge as soon as the state government issues her appointment letter. Judicial sources indicate that this may be the first instance of a candidate with visual impairment passing the judicial service exam in the state.
A graduate of Kannur University, Thanya Nathan excelled in her LLB exams, graduating with the highest honors. She practiced law in Taliparamba, Kannur, under senior advocate K.G. Sunilkumar. Reports from The Hindu indicate that during her early years as an advocate, she was encouraged by her mentors and peers to pursue the judiciary exams, a path that was previously not available to individuals like her.
Thanya Nathan navigated numerous obstacles to complete her legal education using Braille textbooks and later utilized screen-reading software to access study materials. As a practicing attorney, she drafted her arguments in Braille and adapted to technology to read legal documents. While she acknowledges that accessibility particularly concerning older documents and court infrastructure can be challenging, she remains undeterred.
Her achievement comes less than a year after the Supreme Court issued a significant ruling stating that visually impaired candidates are qualified for appointment to judicial services in India. In March 2025,
Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan delivered the judgment in response to several petitions, including a suo motu case regarding the denial of reservations for these candidates in the judicial services of various states.
The Court emphasized that individuals with disabilities should not encounter discrimination in judicial roles, and it is the responsibility of the State to facilitate affirmative action for an inclusive environment.
The Supreme Court’s judgment stated,
“No candidate can be denied such opportunity solely on account of disability,”
Re: Recruitment of visually impaired in judicial services, 2025
In, Re: Recruitment of visually impaired in judicial services, 2025, a suo motu proceeding initiated on the basis of letters submitted by visually impaired candidates, the Supreme Court examined the validity of the Madhya Pradesh Judicial Service Examination (Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 1994, as amended on 23-06-2023, and the Rajasthan Judicial Service Rules, 2010. A two-judge Bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan, held that visually impaired candidates are entitled to participate in the selection process for posts in the judicial service.
The Court scrutinised provisions that either expressly or indirectly excluded visually impaired persons from judicial service examinations. It also considered cases where such candidates, despite being allowed to appear, were not selected for vacant posts under the unreserved category of the physically handicapped quota for Civil Judge (Junior Division – Entry Level).
While analysing the issue, the Court placed significant reliance on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act). It observed that the Act marks a major legislative transformation aimed at strengthening the rights of persons with disabilities and widening the scope of recognised disabilities. The law promotes equality and non-discrimination, mandates reasonable accommodation, and seeks to remove barriers in spheres such as education, employment, community participation, and access to justice.
It also contains provisions relating to social security, inclusive education, and reservations in higher education and public employment, while protecting individuals from cruelty and exploitation. Importantly, the Act places clear obligations on the State and concerned authorities to ensure effective enforcement of these rights.
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The Court further referred to certain provisions of the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2007, noting that the Convention aims “to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities.”
After reviewing earlier judicial precedents, the Bench reiterated that
“reasonable accommodation is not a discretionary measure, but a fundamental right integral to achieving substantive equality for PwD, forming part of the right to dignity as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.”
Emphasising professional eligibility, the Court observed that once an individual is permitted to pursue a law degree, they are automatically entitled to access related professional opportunities, including legal practice and judicial appointments, whether in the public or private sphere. On this basis, the Bench held that visually impaired candidates cannot be considered “not suitable” for judicial service.
Consequently, the Court concluded that Rule 6A of the Rules, 1994 is unconstitutional, as it violates the principles of equality and dignity guaranteed under the Constitution, and affirmed the right of visually impaired candidates to compete for judicial service posts.
Her forthcoming appointment has also highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes. Judicial sources emphasize that courtrooms, chambers, offices, and the overall justice delivery system in Kerala must be made more accessible for judges and lawyers with disabilities.