Thiruvananthapuram: In a historic first, a visually challenged candidate has cleared the Kerala Judicial Service Examination, 2025, securing a place in the Civil Judges (Junior Division) cadre.

Thanya Nathan C, hailing from Kannur district, topped the merit list for persons with benchmark disabilities.

Thanya, who is totally blind, achieved the top rank among candidates with disabilities in the state-level judicial service exam. Joyson Sajan, who has cerebral palsy, secured the second position.

Born visually impaired, Thanya never let her disability get in the way of her ambitions. She studied at a special school for the blind up to the 7th standard and completed her Plus Two education in Kannur. Determined to pursue law, she went on to earn an LLB degree with first-rank honours and subsequently enrolled as an advocate.

Thanya’s achievement follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2025, delivered by Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, which affirmed that visually impaired candidates are eligible for appointments in judicial services.

The verdict directed states to ensure an inclusive system and prohibited discrimination against candidates solely based on disability.