Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 84

The First Indian Woman To Become A Supreme Court Justice?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the timeline of women in the Indian judiciary.

Correct Answer: D) Justice Fathima Beevi.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Banking Exams, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The question asks about the first Indian woman to become a Supreme Court Justice. This is a significant historical fact in the context of the Indian judiciary and women's participation in the legal profession. The correct answer is Justice Fathima Beevi, who was appointed to the Supreme Court of India in 1989.

To understand the significance of this appointment, it is important to consider the broader context of women in the Indian legal system. Historically, the legal profession in India, like in many other countries, has been male-dominated. The appointment of Justice Fathima Beevi as the first woman judge of the Supreme Court was a landmark event that opened the door for more women to enter the highest echelons of the judiciary.

Justice Fathima Beevi's appointment was not just a personal achievement but also a symbol of progress for women in the legal profession. It demonstrated that women could hold positions of authority and make significant contributions to the legal system. Her appointment encouraged other women to pursue careers in law and inspired them to aspire to the highest judicial positions.

It is important to note that while Justice Fathima Beevi was the first woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court, she was not the first woman to hold a high judicial position in India. Women had already been appointed to the High Courts before her appointment to the Supreme Court. However, the Supreme Court is the highest court in the country, and her appointment there was a significant milestone.

The other options provided in the question are also notable women judges in the Indian legal system, but they were appointed after Justice Fathima Beevi. Sujata Manohar, Indira Banerjee, and Indu Malhotra are all distinguished judges who have made significant contributions to the Indian judiciary, but they were not the first women to be appointed to the Supreme Court.

In summary, the appointment of Justice Fathima Beevi as the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India in 1989 was a historic moment that marked a significant step forward for women in the legal profession. It is a fact that is often tested in competitive examinations and is an important part of the history of the Indian judiciary.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Sujata Manohar was a significant figure in the Indian judiciary, but she was not the first woman to become a Supreme Court Justice. She was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court in 1994, which is after Justice Fathima Beevi's appointment in 1989.
  • Option B: Indira Banerjee is another notable woman judge, but she was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1990, which is after Justice Fathima Beevi's appointment in 1989. Therefore, she cannot be the first woman Supreme Court Justice.
  • Option C: Indu Malhotra is a distinguished judge who was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2014, long after Justice Fathima Beevi's appointment in 1989. Thus, she is not the first woman to become a Supreme Court Justice.
  • Option D: Justice Fathima Beevi is the correct answer. She was appointed as the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India in 1989, making her a pioneering figure in the Indian legal system. Her appointment marked a significant milestone in the history of women in the judiciary.

Mnemonic: Fathima Beevi: First Female Justice

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