On the eve of her retirement, Justice Sophy Thomas of the Kerala High Court delivered a poignant address highlighting the challenges faced by women in the judiciary. Speaking at a full-court reference held to honor her impending departure, she shared insights from her over three-decade-long career, which saw her break new ground as the first woman Registrar General of the Kerala High Court.
In her speech, Justice Thomas described her judicial journey as a “tightrope walk,” emphasizing the difficulty of balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments. “Multitasking by a lady judge without compromising judicial work is not that easy,” she remarked, noting that her career was a testament to navigating these challenges successfully. She expressed pride in her ability to manage her duties efficiently, standing “second to none in disposing of cases.”
Reflecting on the virtues that a judicial officer must uphold, Justice Thomas stressed the importance of awareness of their grave responsibilities. “A judge must be aware of the seriousness of their work, administering justice while upholding constitutional values without fear or favor,” she stated.
Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar, who also spoke at the event, lauded Justice Thomas for her transformative role in the judicial administration of the state, particularly her efforts in spearheading the digitization of the Kerala High Court through the establishment of the IT Directorate.
Justice Thomas also took a moment to acknowledge the foundational role of her faith in her professional endurance and success. She encouraged young lawyers to remain true to their principles, their clients, the court, and even their adversaries.
Born to Eluvichira Mathew Thomas and Elikutty Thomas on February 13, 1963, Justice Thomas embarked on her legal career after acquiring her law degree from Government Law College, Ernakulam, and furthering her studies with an LL.M from Mahatma Gandhi University. Her extensive career in the judiciary began at the lower courts and saw her rise through various key positions before her historical appointment as Registrar General, and later, her elevation to the High Court bench.
As Justice Sophy Thomas prepares to demit office on her birthday, February 13, her legacy not only reflects her judicial acumen but also her profound impact on the representation and empowerment of women within the legal profession.
