Kerala, Feb, 17: Advocate Thanya Nathan C from Kerala is set to become the country’s first visually impaired woman judge. Her appointment is not only a proud moment for Kerala but also a historic milestone in India’s judicial history.
In the recently conducted Civil Judge (Junior Division) examination, she secured first rank among candidates under the Benchmark Disabilities category. Despite being completely visually impaired, she overcame all barriers through strong determination and intelligence.
The 24-year-old Thanya completed her LLB from Kannur University, where she achieved first rank. Before becoming a judge, she began her legal practice as a junior advocate under Advocate K. G. Sunilkumar at Taliparamba in Kannur.
During her studies, she used modern technologies such as Braille and screen-reading software. While working as an advocate, she prepared her arguments and notes in Braille. Though she believes reading old handwritten documents can be challenging, she is confident that technology and experience will help her overcome this difficulty.
She credits her success to the encouragement of her seniors and to a landmark judgment of the Supreme Court of India that opened the doors of the judiciary fully to persons with disabilities. Thanya Nathan’s appointment also marks a new beginning for Kerala’s judicial system, as greater emphasis will now be placed on making court infrastructure more accessible and inclusive. This achievement is not only her personal victory but also a major inspiration for society as a whole.