Visually Challenged Woman Tops Kerala Judicial Service Disability Merit List

In a historic first for Kerala, Thanya Nathan C., a visually challenged lawyer, is set to become the State’s first woman judge with total visual impairment. She has secured the first rank in the merit list of persons with benchmark disabilities in the recently conducted judicial service examination for the selection of Civil Judges (Junior Division) in the Kerala Judicial Service.

Landmark Achievement in Judicial Recruitment

Thanya Nathan C., who is completely blind, topped the disability category list in the competitive examination conducted by the Kerala High Court. Joyson Sajan, a candidate with cerebral palsy, secured the second position. Judicial sources confirmed that this is likely the first instance of a visually challenged candidate successfully clearing the judicial service examination in Kerala. The final select list has been forwarded to the State government, and appointment orders are expected shortly.

Supreme Court Ruling That Opened Doors

This achievement follows a landmark 2025 judgment by a Supreme Court Bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan. The Bench categorically held that visually impaired candidates cannot be deemed unsuitable for judicial service solely due to disability. The ruling emphasised non-discrimination and called for affirmative action by the State to create an inclusive judicial recruitment framework, ensuring equal consideration for persons with disabilities.

Academic Excellence and Early Legal Career

At just 24 years of age, Ms. Nathan is already an LLB rank-holder from Kannur University. Despite having no light perception, she secured first rank in her law degree examinations. She began her legal career as a junior advocate under K.G. Sunilkumar at Taliparamba in Kannur. Encouraged by her seniors and peers, she appeared for the judicial service examination with renewed confidence after the Supreme Court verdict.

Important Facts for Exams

• Kerala is set to appoint its first totally visually impaired woman judge.
• Judicial Service Examination selects Civil Judges (Junior Division).
• Supreme Court (2025) upheld eligibility of visually impaired candidates for judicial service.
• Persons with benchmark disabilities are entitled to non-discriminatory consideration in public employment.

Technology, Accessibility, and Future Challenges

Ms. Nathan prepared for her studies using Braille texts and screen-reading software, highlighting the role of assistive technology in enabling equal opportunities. While confident about her judicial role, she has acknowledged potential challenges such as accessing old physical records and ensuring courtroom accessibility. Her appointment is also expected to prompt the Kerala judiciary to upgrade physical infrastructure, court processes, and workspaces to make them fully accessible to persons with disabilities.