Kochi: Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal on Sunday said the people of Keralam had shown the country the path to women-led development, highlighting the contributions of pioneering women judges to the Indian judiciary.
Meghwal was speaking at the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Kerala High Court, which is marking 70 years since its establishment.
Describing the institution's journey as "interesting", the minister said it had reflected the principles of women's empowerment and women-led development.
He cited Justice Anna Chandy, the first woman High Court judge in India, and Justice M Fathima Beevi, the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India, saying their achievements demonstrated how women's empowerment could contribute to the goal of sustainable development.
"The Keralam people have shown the path to the country for women-led development," Meghwal said.
Kerala High Court Chief Justice Soumen Sen, who also addressed the event, said the institution's history was reflected in the pioneering achievements of those who had broken barriers of gender and representation in the judiciary.
"Justice Anna Chandy became the first woman High Court judge in India. Her achievement was a landmark in the history of women's participation in the administration of justice. Justice M Fathima Beevi, who became the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India in 1989, further advanced that historic journey.
"Her (Beevi) career stands as an enduring testament to professional excellence, determination, and the principle that judicial institutions must remain open to talent and merit, irrespective of gender," Chief Justice Sen said.
He also highlighted the elevation of Justice K G Balakrishnan as the first Chief Justice of India from Keralam, describing it as a significant milestone in the effort to build a more representative and inclusive judiciary.
"These achievements remain reminders that the strength of our institution rests not only on the authority they exercise, but also on their ability to reflect the constitutional promise of equality and equal opportunity," he said.
