In a sad turn of events, Justice Fathima Beevi, the first woman Supreme Court judge and former Governor of Tamil Nadu, died on November 23, 2023 at the age of 96 in a private hospital. Justice Beevi had been hospitalized to the hospital a few days before due to age-related problems.
The funeral plans include sending her remains to her home in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, with the burial ceremonies slated for November 24 at the Pathanamthitta Juma Masjid. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan offered his sympathies, recognizing Justice Beevi's amazing career from overcoming scholastic barriers for women to becoming a trailblazer in the courts. He emphasized her strength as the first Muslim woman to serve on the Supreme Court.
Justice Beevi, who was born in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district in April 1927, had a distinguished career. She began her career as a Munsiff in 1958 and rose through the ranks, becoming the first woman judge on the Supreme Court of India in 1989 before retiring in 1992. Following her retirement, she served on the National Human Rights Commission until being appointed Governor of Tamil Nadu in 1997.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George offered her condolences, citing Justice Beevi's significant legacy as a judge and governor. Her life, a monument to overcoming adversity with determination and purpose, has left an indelible imprint on India's legal and political environment. Justice Fathima Beevi has been chosen posthumously for the prestigious Kerala Prabha Award in recognition of her efforts.
