Visually challenged woman set to become the first blind judge in Kerala

For the first time in Kerala judiciary, Tanya Nathan C, a visually challenged woman, is all set to become the first blind woman judge in the state, according to reports.

Nathan reportedly secured first rank in the merit list of candidates with benchmark disability in the Kerala judicial services examination for the post of Civil Judge (junior division). The examination was recently conducted by the Kerala High Court.

Another candidate, Joyson Sajan, secured the second rank.

Blind since birth, Tanya Nathan’s success marks a major step towards inclusion in the Indian judicial system. 

Only 24 years old, the LLB rank holder from Kannur University began her legal career as a junior lawyer.

She studied law using Braille books and modern screen-reading software. During her legal practice, she prepared argument notes in Braille. While she admits that accessing old documents and court infrastructure may be challenging, she is confident of overcoming them.

Her achievements were made possible after a landmark Supreme Court judgement in 2025.

The court had ruled that visually impaired persons cannot be considered unsuitable for judicial service and must not be denied opportunities only because of their disability.