Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Thursday remembered Justice M Fathima Beevi, the first woman Supreme Court judge of India, saying that she was a remarkable judge, who broke many barriers and served communities with idealism.
A full-court reference was held on Thursday in the Supreme Court in memory of Justice Beevi, who passed away on November 23 this year, at the age of 96.
Remembering the work done by Justice Beevi for the Judiciary, the CJI said that although Justice Beevi dreamt of pursuing chemistry, her father, a government employee, persuaded her towards law. With her elevation to the Supreme Court, she became the first woman judge in the Apex Court. She left a lasting impression on the profession.
After many years of public service, Justice Beevi retired to her hometown Pathanamthitta in Kerala. Her sense of public service continued and she was part of several social initiatives. She will continue to represent the causes of many she inspired, added the CJI.
He said the country was forever indebted to Justice Beevi for her tireless service. Her spirit will live on in the cause of justice, added the CJI.
Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, said that she was a true inspiration for all lawyers, especially woman lawyers. She will remain an icon and a true pioneer in law, he added.
Justice Beevi was the first woman to serve as a High Court judge in independent India. Her career spanned over 40 years, rising through the ranks from district court to the SC.
Remembering her role and good work for the judiciary, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Adish Aggarwala, said that Justice Beevi was the first Muslim woman in the country’s higher judiciary. He added that her demise was a personal loss to him.
A full court reference is one held by the Supreme Court’s all sitting judges, led by the CJI, to pay homage and remember the departed judges of the apex court, along with, Government lawyers, — and senior advocates, and lawyers from the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), for their service to the legal profession.