How Anna Chandy smashed barriers and became India’s first woman on the bench

Imagine India in the early 1900s, a time when the very idea of a woman in a courtroom seemed impossible. But that’s exactly where our story begins, with a young woman named Anna Chandy, born in 1905 in the princely state of Travancore (present-day Kerala).

Anna wasn’t one to follow tradition. She craved knowledge and dreamt of a career beyond the confines of home. Luckily, the winds of change were blowing. Travancore, under a progressive ruler and his advisor, was making strides towards social reforms. This opened doors for Anna, who enrolled in the prestigious Women’s College and then the Law College, both in Thiruvananthapuram.

Back then, the legal profession was a boys’ club. But Anna was a determined soul. She graduated in 1928, but there were no cushy law firms waiting for a female lawyer. Yet, opportunity struck in the form of the enlightened Dewan, Sir C.P. Ramaswami Iyer. Recognizing Anna’s talent, he did something extraordinary – he appointed her as a Munsif (a junior judge) in 1937.

This wasn’t just a win for Anna; it was a landmark moment for India. Anna Chandy, at the young age of 32, became the first woman judge in the entire country! It was a big deal, not just in India, but across the British Empire. In fact, she was probably one of the very first female judges anywhere!

Courtrooms, which had always been bastions of male authority, now saw Anna in her judge’s robes, dispensing justice with fairness and a sharp mind. Her success challenged age-old stereotypes and proved that women belonged in the legal system.

Anna’s journey didn’t stop there. She continued to excel, rising to the position of District Judge in 1948. Then, in 1959, another historic achievement followed. Anna Chandy was appointed as a judge in the Kerala High Court, shattering another glass ceiling. She became the first woman High Court judge in India, a true pioneer for generations to come.

Justice Anna Chandy, as she was now known, served with distinction until her retirement in 1967. But her impact extended beyond the courtroom. She was a role model for countless women, inspiring them to chase their legal dreams. Even after retirement, she continued to contribute, serving on the Law Commission of India and penning her autobiography titled “Atmakatha” (meaning “My Story”).

In 1996, the curtain closed on a remarkable life. Justice Anna Chandy left behind a legacy that continues to inspire. Her story is a testament to the power of determination and the fight for equality. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most significant change comes from those who dare to be the first.