Fathima Beevi, India’s first female Supreme Court justice, died on Thursday at the age of 96 in a private hospital in Kollam, Kerala, reports The Indian Express.
Beevi breathed her last on Thursday afternoon around 12:15 PM. She was admitted to a hospital due to age-related ailments few days back.
Her body is being brought to her residence in Pathanamthitta and her burial will be held tomorrow (November 24) at the Pathanamthitta Juma Masjid.
Justice Beevi was born on April 30, 1927, in Pathanamthitta, Travancore. She graduated in chemistry from Women’s College in Thiruvananthapuram and studied LLB at a government law college in Thiruvananthapuram. When she began her legal career in 1950 at Kollam district court, she quickly rose to the prestigious position of district sessions judge in 1974.
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Her appointment to the higher judiciary marked a historic milestone, making her the first Muslim woman to shatter barriers and serve at the apex of India’s legal system, becoming an inspiration for numerous women aspiring to enter the legal field.
After retiring from the apex court in 1993, she served as a member of the National Human Rights Commission and also as the governor of Tamil Nadu.
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Beevi demonstrated unflinching integrity as the governor of Tamil Nadu from 1997 to 2001, as seen by her principled actions, such as rejecting mercy petitions in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, reiterating her dedication to justice.
In 2003, the Kerala government recognised Beevi with the renowned Kerala Prabha Award in recognition of her extraordinary service and commitment, recognising her long-lasting impact on society.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolences, reflecting on Justice Beevi’s journey from overcoming educational challenges to becoming the first woman judge of the Supreme Court.
State Health Minister Veena George too expressed condolences, saying that the news of the demise of Justice Beevi was extremely painful.
“She was a brave woman who had many records to her name. She was a personality who, through her own life, showed that willpower and a sense of purpose can overcome any adversity,” George said in a statement.