Understanding significant milestones in the Indian judiciary is crucial for various competitive exams and general knowledge. This question asks about the pioneering woman who first held the esteemed position of a judge in the Supreme Court of India.

Identifying the First Woman Supreme Court Judge

Let's examine the options provided:

• Justice Leila Seth
• Justice Anna Chandy
• Justice Fathima M. Beevi
• Justice Mary Joseph

The correct answer is the individual who broke the glass ceiling and became the first woman appointed as a judge to the Supreme Court of India.

Analyzing the Correct Option: Justice Fathima M. Beevi

Upon reviewing historical records of the Indian judiciary, it is confirmed that Justice Fathima M. Beevi was the first woman judge to be appointed to the Supreme Court of India. She was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1989.

Her appointment marked a significant moment in the history of the Indian judiciary, paving the way for more women to reach the highest echelons of the legal profession.

Considering Other Options (Contextual Information)

• Justice Leila Seth: She holds the distinction of being the first woman judge of the Delhi High Court and the first woman Chief Justice of a state High Court (Himachal Pradesh High Court). While a prominent figure, she was not the first woman Supreme Court judge.
• Justice Anna Chandy: She was one of the first female judges in India, appointed to a district court in 1937 and later becoming the first woman High Court judge in India in 1959 (Kerala High Court). She predates the first woman Supreme Court judge but served in lower courts and a High Court.
• Justice Mary Joseph: This name does not appear in the context of being a pioneering 'first' woman judge at the Supreme Court or High Court level in the prominent historical records often referenced for such milestones.

Therefore, based on historical facts, Justice Fathima M. Beevi is correctly identified as the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India.