Who is the First woman lawyer to be directly promoted as the Supreme court Judge?
VerifiedAnswer: Indu Malhotra
Explanation:
Justice Indu Malhotra created history when she became the first woman lawyer to be directly elevated to the Supreme Court of India from the Bar. She was appointed as a Supreme Court Judge on April 27, 2018, marking a significant milestone in India's judicial history.
What makes Justice Malhotra's appointment particularly special is the path she took to reach the Supreme Court. Unlike other women judges who were elevated from High Courts, she was directly promoted from the Bar, which means she was practicing as a lawyer and was appointed directly to the Supreme Court without serving as a High Court judge first. This direct elevation from the Bar to the Supreme Court is quite rare and makes her achievement even more remarkable.
Born in 1957, Justice Indu Malhotra had an illustrious career as a senior advocate before her elevation to the Supreme Court. She practiced law for over three decades and was designated as a Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court in 2007. Throughout her career, she handled various important cases and was known for her expertise in arbitration, commercial law, and constitutional matters.
During her tenure as a Supreme Court Judge, Justice Malhotra was part of several landmark judgments. She played a crucial role in historic decisions including the decriminalization of homosexuality and various cases related to women's rights and constitutional matters. Her legal expertise and progressive approach to justice made her a respected figure in the Indian judiciary.
It's worth noting that while Justice Malhotra was the first woman to be directly elevated from the Bar, she was not the first woman judge of the Supreme Court. That distinction belongs to Justice Fathima Beevi, who was appointed in 1989 after serving in the High Court. Justice Malhotra retired from the Supreme Court on March 11, 2021, after completing her tenure.
Justice Malhotra's appointment represents an important step toward gender equality in India's higher judiciary and serves as an inspiration for women lawyers across the country. Her journey from the Bar to the Supreme Court demonstrates that excellence and dedication in legal practice can lead to the highest positions in the judicial system.
