India Set to Welcome First Visually Impaired Female Judge

In a landmark moment for judicial inclusivity in India’s Kerala, the state is set to welcome its first visually impaired woman judge, Thanya Nathan C., marking a significant step forward for representation of persons with disabilities in India’s judiciary.

Thanya will now undergo a one-year training program before taking charge as a Civil Judge (Junior Division) in the sessions court.

Her journey from enrolling as an advocate to clearing the judgeship examination within months is nothing short of a testament to what determination and hard work can achieve.

In a conversation with DD India, Thanya shared the realities of her preparation, the support systems that sustained her and her vision.

She secured the first rank on the merit list of persons with benchmark disabilities in the recently conducted Kerala Judicial Service Examination for the selection of Civil Judges (Junior Division).

The Bench, in its observations, had underscored that persons with disabilities “should not face any discrimination in their pursuit of judicial service opportunities.”

It further emphasized the need for affirmative action by the State to create an inclusive framework, asserting that no candidate should be denied consideration solely on account of their disability.

Thanya Nathan C.’s success is being hailed as a milestone not only for India but also for the broader movement toward equal opportunity and accessibility in public service. (DDI)