• Source:JND
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Fathima Beevi, the first woman judge of the Supreme Court and former Governor of Tamil Nadu, Justice died at a private hospital on Thursday. She was 96. Tamil Nadu Health Minister Veena George sharing the news on social media, condoled her death and said the demise of Justice Beevi was extremely painful. The minister said that Justice Beevi made a mark as the first woman judge of the Supreme Court and as the Tamil Nadu Governor.

"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.

Justice Beevi had a long and decorated career, she inspired many women across the country, and she even left her mark on the political arena by being appointed as the Governor of Tamil Nadu.

Facts About Justice M Fathima Beevi:

Justice Beevi hailed from Pandalam, Kerala and she completed her schooling at the Catholicate High School in Pathanamthitta, before acquiring her Degree in Bachelor of Science from University College, Trivandrum. She later obtained a Bachelor of Law Degree and enrolled as an Advocate on 14th November 1950.

She began her career in the lower Judiciary of Kerala in 1950, and soon rose through the ranks as a Subordinate Judge and then as a Chief Judicial Magistrate, as a District and Sessions Judge, as a Judicial Member of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal -- to become a High Court Judge in 1983, and a Supreme Court Judge in 1989.

She was the first Muslim woman Judge to be appointed to any Higher Judiciary and holds the distinction of being the first woman Judge of a Supreme Court of a nation in Asia. Justice Beevi after retiring as Jusdge served as served as a member of the National Human Rights Commission, before being appointed as Governor of Tamil Nadu.

She also served as the Chancellor of Tamil Nadu University during her tenure as Governor and was the recipient of the Hon. D. Litt and Mahila Shiromani Award in 1990.