Who Is Fatima Beevi? First Female Justice Of Supreme Court Of India

Fatima Beevi made history in 1989 by becoming  the first female justice appointed to the Supreme Court, breaking barriers as the nation's inaugural Muslim woman to reach such a prestigious judicial position. Even after her tenure on the bench, Beevi continued to serve with distinction. She took on roles as a commissioner on the National Human Rights Commission and later served as the governor of Tamil Nadu from 1997 to 2001.

Following her departure from the judiciary, she held positions as a commissioner on the National Human Rights Commission and, from 1997 to 2001, as governor of Tamil Nadu, a state in India. The second-highest accolade bestowed by the Keralan government, the Kerala Prabha Award, was given to her in 2023.

Justice Fatima's Career & Controversies

Fatima Beevi became a registered advocate in 1950, the same year she topped the Bar Council Exam. She began her  career in Kerala's lower judiciary, starting as a Munsiff in May 1958. Over the years, she rose through the ranks, becoming a Subordinate Judge in 1968, Chief Judicial Magistrate in 1972, and District & Sessions Judge in 1974.

On May 14, 1984, Beevi was appointed as a permanent judge of the High Court. She served in this role until April 29, 1989, when she was promoted to the Supreme Court, where she remained until her retirement on April 29, 1992. Afterward, Beevi took on the role  of Governor of Tamil Nadu on January 25, 1997, and later became the chancellor of Madras University.

However, Beevi's tenure as governor was cut short due to controversy. She was asked to resign by the Union Cabinet for failing to perform  her constitutional duties impartially, particularly during the arrests of M. Karunanidhi and T. R. Baalu, which angered the central government.

In another notable event, the High Court of India overturned Beevi's decision to appoint Jayalalithaa as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The Court ruled that the Governor must act in accordance with the Constitution and the law, refusing to appoint a non-member of the legislature as Chief Minister, and said, "The lead representative can't, in that frame of mind of his/her prudence, etc., do whatever is in opposition to the Constitution and the regulations. In this way, the Lead representative, having due respect to the Constitution and the regulations, should decline to practice the watchfulness in naming as Boss Pastor a non-part who was not able to turn into an individual from the legislature."

Fathima Beevi died on February 23, 2023, at the age of 96. Her legacy and works are cherished till date, especially by Law aspirants