In the annals of India’s judiciary, the ascent of women to the Supreme Court has been a story of quiet resilience and historic breakthroughs. From the pioneering footsteps of Justice Fathima Beevi to the anticipated legacy of Justice B.V. Nagarathna as the first woman Chief Justice of India, these remarkable jurists have carved their place in a traditionally male-dominated institution. Their journeys are not just legal milestones—but powerful testaments to courage, intellect, and the evolving face of justice in India.

1. Justice Fathima Beevi (1989–1992).

Justice M. Fathima Beevi created history in Indian judicial annals by becoming the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India in 1989. A trailblazer, she was also the first Muslim woman to be appointed to any higher judiciary in India. Prior to her elevation, she had served with distinction in the Kerala High Court. Her tenure at the apex court may have been brief, but it set the stage for future generations of women to aspire to the highest judicial offices in the country. After retirement, she went on to serve as the Governor of Tamil Nadu, further underscoring her stature in public life.

2. Justice Sujata V. Manohar (1994–1999)

Justice Sujata Manohar brought with her a distinguished career as a High Court judge and Chief Justice of Bombay and Kerala High Courts before her elevation to the Supreme Court. Known for her liberal and progressive approach to constitutional rights, she played a key role in several landmark judgments, especially in matters of gender justice and human rights. Her judgments reflected clarity, depth, and a firm belief in constitutional morality.

3. Justice Ruma Pal (2000–2006)

A jurist of exceptional intellect and restraint, Justice Ruma Pal served in the Supreme Court for over six years, making her one of the longest-serving women judges at the apex court. Her background in academia and scholarship enriched her judgments, which were marked by their erudition and clarity. She was known for her commitment to civil liberties and judicial independence. Post-retirement, she remained active in legal education and judicial reform initiatives.

4. Justice Gyan Sudha Misra (2010–2014)

Justice Gyan Sudha Misra’s tenure in the Supreme Court reflected her strong concern for social justice and gender equality. Prior to joining the apex court, she served as the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. Her contributions on issues ranging from environmental protection to women’s rights made her tenure impactful. She often emphasized the need for empathetic jurisprudence and was noted for her sensitivity toward the underprivileged.

5. Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai (2011–2014)

Justice Ranjana Desai served on the Supreme Court for over three years and made significant contributions in constitutional and criminal law. Her post-retirement career has been equally illustrious, having chaired the Delimitation Commission of India and the Press Council of India. She is known for her fairness, administrative acumen, and deep understanding of legal principles.

6. Justice R. Banumathi (2014–2020)

Justice R. Banumathi brought a remarkable range of experience to the Supreme Court, having served as a sessions judge and then risen through the ranks to become the Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court. In the apex court, she authored numerous judgments, particularly in criminal law and service matters. She was known for her disciplined work ethic and integrity. Her career served as a shining example of rising from the grassroots of the judiciary to its highest echelons.

7. Justice Indu Malhotra (2018–2021)

Justice Indu Malhotra broke new ground by becoming the first woman to be directly appointed to the Supreme Court from the Bar. A renowned senior advocate, her expertise in arbitration and commercial law was well recognized even before her elevation. On the bench, she delivered several key rulings, including dissenting opinions that reflected her independent judicial thinking, such as in the Sabarimala case. Her career symbolizes the possibilities for women lawyers in the higher judiciary.

8. Justice Indira Banerjee (2018–2022)

Justice Indira Banerjee brought to the Supreme Court her extensive experience as a High Court judge and Chief Justice of the Madras High Court. She was part of several important benches dealing with constitutional and civil matters. Her judgments often emphasized procedural fairness and the rights of women. During her tenure, she was known for her clarity and concern for equitable justice.

9. Justice Hima Kohli (2021–2024)

Justice Hima Kohli, the former Chief Justice of Telangana High Court, made a strong mark during her time in the Supreme Court. She was part of the historic four-woman bench in 2021 and participated in significant rulings across service law, gender issues, and fundamental rights. Her career has been characterized by efficiency, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to the rule of law.

10. Justice Bela M. Trivedi (2021–2025)

Justice Bela Trivedi, elevated from the Gujarat High Court, has contributed to the Supreme Court’s jurisprudence in diverse areas including constitutional law, service law, and criminal justice. Known for her disciplined and no-nonsense approach, she has written several impactful judgments that reflect her strong legal reasoning and emphasis on due process.

11. Justice B.V. Nagarathna (2021–2027)

Justice B.V. Nagarathna, daughter of former Chief Justice E.S. Venkataramiah, is poised to become the first woman Chief Justice of India in September 2027—a historic milestone. Her judgments reflect a deep concern for constitutional values, gender justice, and institutional accountability. She is also known for her articulate opinions and her commitment to judicial integrity. Her appointment as CJI, albeit for a short tenure, will be symbolically powerful in shaping the narrative of women’s leadership in the judiciary.

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