Janaki Amma
| Justice P. Janaki Amma | |
|---|---|
 Justice P. Janaki Amma | |
| Born |
Janaki 1920 Thrissur |
| Died |
2005 (aged 84–85) Kerala |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Judge |
| Employer | Kerala High Court |
| Known for | Second woman to be a Judge of High Court in India |
| Title | Hon. Justice |
| Term | 30 May 1974 to 22 April 1982 |
| Religion | Hindu |
Justice Janaki Amma (1920–2005), popularly known as Justice P. Janaki Amma, is a former judge of the Kerala High Court. She was born in a village in Thrissur district of Kerala. She lived most of her life in Eranakulam. On 30 May 1974 she was appointed as a judge of the Kerala High Court. She is the second woman in India to be a judge of a High Court. She served as a judge until 22 April 1982.
Political Life
She was active in freedom struggle during the period 1940-44. She joined the Cochin Praja Mandalam, after completing studies and later joined the Indian National Congress.
She was the first woman Municipal Chairperson of Travancore-Cochin. She served as chairperson of Ernakulam Municipal Council from April 1953 to March 1956.
She left active politics after joining the judicial service.
Judiciary
She started her legal career as a junior advocate to Panampilly Govinda Menon and later on served as district magistrate, district and sessions judge of Kozhikode, Tellicherry and Manjeri prior to her elevation to the High Court.
She was appointed as a judge of the Kerala High Court on 30 May 1974, thus becoming the second woman in India to have occupied that seat. She retired from the Kerala High Court on 22 April 1982.
Probes/Enquiry commissions
She continued to be very active in the judiciary field after retiring from the Kerala High Court. In 1983, she was appointed by the state government to probe the Vypeen liquor tragedy that killed several people. Based on her recommendations, the Government amended section 57(A) of the Abkari Act. The section deals with prevention of adulteration of liquor with noxious substances that could endanger human life or cause grievous hurt to human beings. Under the section, Enforcement officials, if found guilty of not taking reasonable precautions to prevent adulteration of liquor with lethal substances, could face maximum penalty of life imprisonment and fine up to Rs. 50,000.
She was engaged by the Kerala Government in other probes/enquiry commissions.
People's Council for Social Justice (PCSJ)
In 1985, she became the founder president of People's Council for Social Justice (PCSJ), an organization that was created by the initiative of Shri Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India. This organization mainly focuses on development of women, children, scheduled castes scheduled tribes and other backward sections of society to ensure social justice through legal assistance and legal education. PCSJ has extended its activity towards uplifting the living standards of the disadvantaged and make them aware of their rightful place in the society.
Other Positions
She also served as the Ernakulam Karayogam [1] President.
Greenery in Kochi, the Queen of Arabian Sea
She is popular for her efforts related to providing Greenery in Kochi. The trees that give shade near Boat Jetty are alive owing to her efforts.