‘I won’t let disability stop me’: Thanya C Nathan set to be Kerala’s first visually challenged judge

Thanya C Nathan has topped the merit list for candidates with benchmark disabilities in the Kerala Judicial Service Examination for Civil Judges (Junior Division). Born visually challenged, she is set to become Kerala’s first civil judge with a visual impairment, and possibly the first in India.

Journey and education

Thanya studied at a special school for the blind until class 7, then continued in mainstream schools in Kannur. She pursued LLB after her Plus Two, emerging as the first rank holder. Despite doubts from others about handling a demanding syllabus, she remained determined.

Earlier, fully visually impaired candidates were barred from judicial service exams. A landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2025 allowed them to participate, enabling Thanya to apply and succeed. Thanya believes accessible infrastructure remains a key challenge in courts. She hopes government initiatives will ensure a supportive working environment. She urges people with disabilities to pursue their goals actively, focus on their abilities, and rely on hard work and consistency.

Thanya, accompanied by her mother Babitha, returned to Kannur and is now awaiting her appointment order, ready to make history as a trailblazing woman in India’s judiciary.