Thanya Nathan C: Kerala's First Visually Impaired Woman Judge Breaks Barriers
In a historic achievement for judicial diversity and inclusion, Thanya Nathan C, a 24-year-old completely blind lawyer, is poised to become Kerala's first visually impaired woman judge. This groundbreaking milestone follows her topping the list of candidates with benchmark disabilities in the recent Kerala Judicial Service examination for the post of civil judge (Junior Division).
Academic Excellence and Professional Journey
Nathan's path to this achievement is marked by exceptional academic and professional dedication. She topped her LLB batch at Kannur University, demonstrating her legal acumen early in her career. After completing her studies, she began practising law as a junior under Advocate K G Sunilkumar in Taliparamba, Kannur, where she steadily built her expertise and reputation in the legal field.
Landmark Supreme Court Ruling Paves the Way
This appointment follows a landmark 2025 Supreme Court ruling that declared visually impaired candidates cannot be deemed 'not suitable' for judicial service. The court affirmed their eligibility to participate in selection processes, effectively removing a long-standing barrier that had previously excluded many qualified aspirants. This ruling has opened doors for talented individuals like Nathan to pursue judicial careers based on merit.
Selection Process and Additional Achievements
According to reports from The Hindu, the Kerala High Court has completed the selection process for the Kerala Judicial Service exam and has forwarded the final list to the state government, which is expected to issue appointment letters shortly. In the same category of candidates with benchmark disabilities, Joyson Sajan, a candidate with cerebral palsy, secured the second rank, highlighting broader progress in judicial inclusivity.
Public Reaction and Social Media Response
News of Nathan's success has generated significant attention across social media platforms, sparking both praise and thoughtful discussion. Many users have celebrated her achievement as a testament to perseverance. One comment noted, 'Kudos to her for not giving up despite the challenging times she must have suffered through. An example of neverending grit and determination.'
Other voices have emphasized the importance of maintaining merit-based standards while celebrating diversity. One observer remarked, 'Milestones like this expand how people imagine possibility. If institutions adapt and standards hold, representation can move from exception to precedent.'
Broader Implications for Judicial Representation
Nathan's appointment represents more than just a personal achievement; it signals a transformative shift in India's judicial landscape. By breaking through physical barriers and societal expectations, she sets a powerful precedent for future generations of lawyers with disabilities. Her success demonstrates that with appropriate institutional adaptations and unwavering determination, qualified individuals can excel in judicial roles regardless of physical challenges.
As Kerala prepares to welcome its first visually impaired woman judge, this moment serves as both an inspiration and a reminder of the ongoing work needed to create truly inclusive judicial systems across India.
