Thanya Nathan Makes History as Kerala's First Visually Impaired Judge
In a landmark achievement, 24-year-old Thanya Nathan has topped the Civil Judge (Junior Division) examination under the persons with disabilities category in Kerala. This victory marks her as the state's first judge with a visual disability, setting a new precedent in the judicial services.
Inspiration from a Supreme Court Ruling
Nathan's journey was sparked by a pivotal Supreme Court judgment in 2025, delivered by Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, which allowed persons with disabilities to enter the judicial service. Hailing from Mangad in Kannur district, this law graduate saw this ruling as a new opportunity and decided to prepare for the examination, as reported by news agency PTI.
Overcoming Educational and Professional Hurdles
Blind since birth, Nathan began her education at a special school in Dharmadom. She completed her schooling at Parassinikadavu High School and higher secondary education at Morazha Government Higher Secondary School. It was during her plus two studies that she decided to pursue law.
With strong family support, she cleared the entrance exam and excelled in her LLB course at Kannur University, where she was the only visually impaired student. "The staff were not used to teaching students with disabilities, but they made an effort to understand my needs and support me, which helped me overcome the gap," Nathan recalled.
Preparation and Professional Experience
After enrolling as an advocate, Nathan practiced under lawyer K G Sunilkumar in Thaliparamba, Kannur. She prepared for the judicial service exam independently, making notes using Braille scripts. For the interview, she sought guidance from a lawyer in Thiruvananthapuram.
"The interview panel asked how I planned to work with my disability. I explained my approach, and I believe my answers convinced them," she said, highlighting her readiness to face professional challenges.
Recognition and Future Challenges
Sunilkumar praised Nathan as sharp and methodical, noting her ability to handle legal transitions like the shift from IPC to Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with ease. "If you ask Thanya, she can recall sections instantly. She handles e-documents with ease and has appeared in court several times," he said.
The Kerala High Court has forwarded the selection list to the state government, which will issue the appointment order. Nathan emphasized that infrastructure accessibility remains a key challenge. "Our systems are not fully accessible yet. I hope the government will take appropriate steps so that I can work comfortably," she stated, expressing optimism about leveraging assistive tools like screen readers and dictation software.
This achievement not only showcases Nathan's resilience but also underscores the importance of inclusive policies in the judiciary, paving the way for more diverse representation in legal professions across India.
