Fathima Beevi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fathima Beevi
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| 11th Governor of Tamil Nadu | |
| In office 25 January 1997 – 3 July 2001 |
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| Chief Minister | M. Karunanidhi J. Jayalalithaa |
| Preceded by | Krishan Kant (Additional Charge) |
| Succeeded by | Dr. C. Rangarajan (Additional Charge) |
| Member of National Human Rights Commission of India | |
| In office 1993–1997 |
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| Judge of the Supreme Court of India | |
| In office 6 October 1989 – 29 April 1992 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 April 1927 Pathanamthitta, Travancore, India (present day Kerala, India) |
| Died | 23 November 2023 (aged 96) Kollam, Kerala, India |
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M. Fathima Beevi (born 30 April 1927 – died 23 November 2023) was an important Indian judge. She made history in 1989 when she became the first female judge to serve on the Supreme Court of India. This is the highest court in India. She was also the first Muslim woman to be appointed to any high court in the country. After retiring from the Supreme Court, she worked as a member of the National Human Rights Commission. Later, she became the Governor of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu from 1997 to 2001. In 2023, she received the Kerala Prabha Award, a very high honor from the Government of Kerala.
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Early Life and Education
M. Fathima Beevi was born on April 30, 1927. Her birthplace was Pathanamthitta in the Kingdom of Travancore. This area is now part of the Indian state of Kerala. Her parents were Annaveettil Meer Sahib and Khadeeja Beevi.
Fathima Beevi went to Town School and Catholicate High School in Pathanamthitta. She earned her science degree (BSc) in chemistry from a women's college in Thiruvananthapuram. She then studied law and received her law degree (L.B.) from Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram.
A Career in Law
Fathima Beevi started her legal career on November 14, 1950. She passed the Bar Council exam with the highest score in 1950. She began working in the lower courts in Kerala. In May 1958, she became a Munsiff, which is a type of judge in the Kerala Sub-ordinate Judicial Services.
She was promoted to Sub-ordinate Judge in 1968. In 1972, she became the Chief Judicial Magistrate. Then, in 1974, she was promoted to District & Sessions Judge. These roles showed her dedication and skill in the legal field.
In January 1980, Beevi was appointed as a Judicial Member of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal. This was another important step in her career. On August 4, 1983, she was promoted to a Judge of the High Court.
She became a permanent Judge of the High Court on May 14, 1984. She retired from the High Court on April 29, 1989. However, her journey continued. On October 6, 1989, she was elevated to the Supreme Court of India as a Judge. She retired from the Supreme Court on April 29, 1992.
Governor of Tamil Nadu
After her time as a judge, Fathima Beevi became the Governor of Tamil Nadu on January 25, 1997. The Governor is like the head of a state in India. When she was appointed, the President of India, Shankar Dayal Sharma, said that her experience with the Constitution and laws would be very valuable.
As Governor, she had an important duty. She reviewed requests for mercy from four prisoners. These prisoners were involved in a very serious case. She decided to reject their requests, meaning their original sentences stood. This showed her strong commitment to justice.
Other Important Roles
While serving as Governor, she also acted as the Chancellor of Madras University. This means she oversaw the university's operations. She also served as the Chairman of the Kerala Commission for Backward Classes in 1993. From 1993 to 1997, she was a member of the National Human Rights Commission. This commission works to protect human rights in India.
She received several awards for her work. In 1990, she was given an honorary D. Litt. degree and the Mahila Shiromani Award. She also received the Bharat Jyoti Award.
Death
Fathima Beevi passed away on November 23, 2023, at the age of 96. She is remembered for her groundbreaking achievements in the Indian judiciary.
See also
- Anna Chandy
