Justice M Fathima Beevi

Justice M. Fathima Beevi was the first female judge of the Supreme Court of India, the highest court in the country. She was appointed in 1989. In addition, Fathima Beevi holds the distinction of being the first Muslim woman to hold the highest judicial position in India.

Fathima Beevi was born on April 30, 1927, in Pathanamthitta, Kerala. Her father was Anaveettil Meeran Sahib and her mother was Khadeeja Beevi. She graduated from Thiruvananthapuram University in 1949 and from Thiruvananthapuram Law College in 1950.

Fathima Beevi registered as an advocate in 1950. In 1958, she was appointed as a magistrate in the lower courts of Kerala. In 1968, she was promoted to Additional District Judge. In 1983, she was appointed as a judge of the Kerala High Court.

In 1989, Fathima Beevi was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of India. She served in that position until 1992. From 1997 to 2001, she served as Governor of Tamil Nadu.

Fathima Beevi delivered judgments in many important cases during her lifetime. Her judgments often protected the rights and justice of women.

Fathima Beevi's achievements were significant in promoting women's leadership in India. She proved that women can succeed in a challenging world.

Fathima Beevi passed away on November 23, 2023, in Kollam, Kerala. Her death is a great loss to the Indian judiciary and the country.