Tech-savvy lawyer beats odds to top judicial service rank list

History has been scripted in the legal corridors of Kerala as 24-year-old C Thanya Nathan prepares to take her seat on the bench. In a landmark achievement that highlights the power of determination and digital accessibility, Thanya has been selected as the first visually-impaired judge in the Kerala Judicial Service.

This inspiring development comes less than a year after a pivotal Supreme Court verdict. In March of last year, the apex court ruled that individuals with benchmark disabilities could not be barred from judicial roles, effectively opening the doors for aspirants like Thanya. Seizing this opportunity, the young lawyer from Mangad, Kannur, topped the rank list in the persons with disabilities category for civil judges (junior division).

Thanya believes that technology has been the great equalizer in her journey. While she relied heavily on Braille conversions during her early school days and law studies, modern tools have revolutionized her preparation for the competitive judicial exams. She credits text-to-speech software for allowing her to access vast amounts of study material and legal documents that were previously difficult to navigate.

Her journey was not solitary. Thanya’s mother, Babitha, has been a pillar of strength, accompanying her daughter on bus rides to the court where Thanya has been practicing for the last 18 months. Her father and sister, who work in the Middle East, along with her senior advocate K G Sunil Kumar, provided the crucial encouragement needed to apply for the post.

Currently, Thanya is awaiting her official appointment, after which she will undergo one year of training at the Kerala Judicial Academy. Her success serves as a powerful reminder that with the right technological support and inclusive policies, physical limitations are no match for professional competence.