Leila Seth: Pioneering India's Legal Frontier as the First Woman Chief Justice

The First Woman Chief Justice of India: Leila Seth                        

Courts reached a big moment when they appointed Leila Seth as their first woman Chief Justice of India. This historic event shows how the country is moving forward with gender equality and letting more women take top jobs. The first woman in this important role has made a big impact in law, showing how women can lead just as well as men. Her appointment is not only because of her skills and hard work, but it also inspires many young women in India to consider careers in law and the courts.

Overcoming All Challenges and Being the First Woman Chief Justice of India

Leila Seth, overcoming all the challenges, made history in 1989 by becoming the first woman Chief Justice of India. Numerous women were inspired by the historic appointment of India’s first female chief justice. She never wavered in her pursuit of justice or commitment to the legal profession while in government. She makes a lasting impression by inspiring other women to fulfill their most significant potential and become justices of the Supreme Court.

Beyond Judiciary: Advocacy and Reforms 

• Leila Seth was part of the Justice Verma Committee, which was formed after the 2012 Delhi gang rape case to suggest legal reforms to protect women against sexual violence. 

• She championed gender equality, leading to reforms in the Hindu Succession Act, ensuring equal inheritance rights for daughters. 

• As an author, her autobiography On Balance chronicles her life and career, while her writings reflect her deep commitment to justice and human rights. 

First Woman Chief Justice of India Early Life 

1. Childhood and Obstacles

On October 20, 1930, legal pioneer Leila Seth was born in Lucknow, India. As Delhi High Court’s first female judge, she became the state’s first female chief justice. She became India’s first female chief justice.

Leila Seth was raised in an educated household; her mother was a stay-at-home mom and her father worked as an engineer. Although her family was progressive, her culture discouraged women from STEM and advanced degrees.

In her younger years, Seth had difficulty keeping up with her peers academically. After passing the London Bar Exam and earning a Juris Doctor, she became one of the few female Supreme Court justices in 1958. She quickly assumed the role of chief justice of India, making history in the process. Her achievements were evidence of both her insight and her determination.

2. Married Life and Education

Leila Seth balanced her personal and professional commitments with poise and tenacity throughout her life. They had three children together after she married Premo Seth in 1951. Seth persisted in her pursuit of a legal career and maintained her academic pursuits despite her newfound roles as a wife and mother.

She went to Delhi from her modest beginnings as a lawyer in the Patna High Court. After a distinguished legal academic career, she became the first female Delhi High Court judge in 1978. In 1991, they appointed the first female chief justice for the Himachal Pradesh High Court in India.

By fighting for gender equality and social justice, Leila Seth inspired other women to become successful lawyers. She is most recognized for her numerous achievements supporting women’s and children’s rights. Her legacy inspires many to fight for equality and break down barriers.   

First Woman Chief Justice of India in Legal Career

Leila Seth, a trailblazer who helped other remarkable women lawyers follow in her footsteps, is a legend in Indian law. Numerous individuals have found inspiration in her unwavering perseverance and remarkable intellect in the legal profession.

From Start to Being First Woman Judge in 1978

After earning her law degree, Leila Seth began her legal career in the early 1950s. In an industry where males were more common, she found it challenging to establish her reputation. Appointment to the Patna High Court marked the beginning of her professional legal career. She found it difficult to progress in her career because of the pervasive gender bias and stereotyping that pervaded both society and the legal profession at the time.

Seth’s legal expertise and dogged persistence were recognized and commended despite the challenges. She rose to prominence very quickly, and soon, both her coworkers and her superiors looked up to and admired her. Her unwavering commitment to justice and the simplicity she approaches complex legal issues set her apart.

In the 1960s, Seth relocated to Delhi, where she maintained her legal career. She was in great demand shortly after word of her legal acumen spread, skyrocketing her popularity. She became an outspoken advocate for legislative change and gender equality after becoming the first Indian woman to serve on the Law Commission in 1974.

The 1978 appointment of Leila Seth as the first female judge of the Delhi High Court marked a watershed moment in her remarkable life narrative. Seth’s appointment was a milestone in her life and Indian legal history because it marked the first time a woman served on a court.

Human rights, equality, and justice were the central themes of Leila Seth’s career-long advocacy work. To bring about positive change in the justice system, she battled for the rights of the oppressed.

From Judge to First Woman Chief Justice of India

After working as a High Court judge for thirteen years, Leila Seth made history again by becoming the first woman Chief Justice in 1991. Her promotion to this important job was another big step towards gender equality.

The passing of Justice Leila Seth

Justice Leila Seth, a trailblazing figure in Indian law, passed away peacefully at her residence in Noida on the night of May 5th, 2017. She was 86 years old.

Justice Seth is survived by her husband, Prem Seth, and their children. Following her wishes, a funeral service was not held. Following her deeply held beliefs in the power of medical advancement, Justice Seth generously donated her eyes and other organs for transplantation or research purposes.

Leila Seth: A Legacy of Equity and Empowerment

Justice Leila Seth’s life and career were testaments to selflessness and unwavering dedication to social justice. She left behind a remarkable legacy, having reshaped not only legislation but also societal attitudes in India.

Through her pioneering work, Justice Seth helped pave the way for a safer and more equitable India. Her efforts targeted both legal frameworks and public consciousness, promoting a vision of justice that embraced inclusivity and fairness.

Trailblazing Achievements

1. Breaking Barriers in Law: 

• Leila Seth became the first Indian woman to top the London Bar exam in 1958. This early accomplishment set the stage for her pioneering legal career. 

• In 1978, she was appointed the first woman judge of the Delhi High Court, an unprecedented milestone during a time when few women held prominent positions in the judiciary. 

• In 1991, she became the first woman Chief Justice of a High Court in India, leading the Himachal Pradesh High Court with distinction. 

2. Contributions to Legal Reforms: 

• She played a key role in the Justice Verma Committee (2012), which recommended critical amendments to India’s laws on sexual assault, promoting stricter enforcement and protection for victims. 

• Justice Seth was instrumental in the amendment of the Hindu Succession Act, ensuring equal property inheritance rights for daughters. 

3. Advocate for Human Rights: 

• Known for her compassion and commitment to equity, Justice Seth championed causes related to women’s empowerment, child rights, and gender equality. Her leadership inspired progressive changes in the Indian legal system. 

The First Female Chief Justice of India

The story of India’s first female judge becoming chief justice is inspiring because it shows her determination, strength, and how women can achieve equality. Justice M. Fathima Beevi paved the way for other women lawyers, making history in India’s legal system.

Justice Beevi began her career in Kerala’s local courts. Through hard work and a keen understanding of the law, she moved up the ranks swiftly. In 1989, she made history by becoming the first woman judge on India’s Supreme Court, a groundbreaking moment for her nation and globally. This appointment showed a shift in the judiciary, with more women gaining recognition as respected legal experts. Justice Beevi paved the way for future women leaders in law, eventually becoming the first woman Chief Justice of India.

As the first woman Chief Justice of India, Justice Beevi faced many challenges in a profession mostly dominated by men. She constantly had to prove herself because some people doubted her abilities just because she was a woman. However, her strong commitment to fairness and her excellent decisions silenced her critics and showed everyone that she was a powerful force in the courtroom.

Justice Beevi, the first woman chief justice of India, broke barriers and inspired countless aspiring women in the legal field. Her journey started with becoming the first female judge and later, the chief justice of India. She showed that with determination and hard work, anyone can achieve their goals, regardless of gender norms. Her story continues to encourage women to pursue leadership roles in law, proving that dedication and perseverance can make history.

Challenges of Becoming (CJI) in the Nineties

1. Social Status of Chief Justice of India

The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is the most senior judge in the nation and serves as the head of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court assigns cases and chooses justices, among other administrative duties. Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud has held the office of Chief Justice of India since November 9, 2022. The President of India selects the CJI, and the CJI serves until retirement at 65 years of age. The Indian Parliament determines the Chief Justice of India’s pay and working conditions.

2. The Social Background of That Time

The 1980s marked a watershed decade for social transformation in Indian society. During this period, the women’s rights and equality movement experienced a significant rise. Thus, in terms of transformation, the 1980s were a turning point decade. However, many men practiced law compared to women, and prospective female lawyers faced challenging odds.

3. Challenges for Women to Get an Education

This generation of women faced numerous substantial barriers to higher education, particularly in fields like law, where men have historically dominated the workforce. Many women still encounter obstacles in pursuing their ambitions. This is largely attributed to the persistence of harmful gender stereotypes and biases in today’s society.

Also Read:-

List of Chief Justice of India (1950-2023)

List of Vice Presidents of India from 1950 to 2023

Draupadi Murmu Tribe: Trailblazing India’s Presidential Path

Women Judges from the Indian Supreme Court

Women have steadily increased since the Supreme Court of India was founded. Even though gender parity in India’s judiciary is still in its infancy. The appointment of female chief justices to the highest court has profoundly affected the regulatory framework of the country.

Female Chief Justice of India Lists

The Indian Supreme Court has had the following female justices: 

No	Name	Date of Appointment	Date of Retirement	Position before being appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court	Notes
1	Fathima Beevi	6 October 1989	29 April 1992	Judge of the Kerala High Court	First female judge of the Supreme Court of India
2	Sujata Manohar	8 November 1994	27 August 1999	Chief Justice, Bombay High Court	Known for her progressive judgments on human rights and women’s rights.
3	Justice Ruma Pal	January 2000	June 2006	​​Judge, Calcutta High Court	​​Renowned for her integrity and involvement in landmark judgments.
4	Justice Gyan Sudha Misra	April 2010	April 2014	​​Judge, Jharkhand High Court	Known for her clear and concise judgments, especially in women’s rights and social justice.
5	Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai	September 2011	October 2014	​​Judge, Bombay High Court	Served with distinction and was part of several significant judgments.
6	Justice R. Banumathi	August 2014	​​July 2020	​​Chief Justice, Jharkhand High Court	Had a long and illustrious career in the judiciary, known for her fairness.
7	Justice Indu Malhotra	April 2018	​​March 2021	​​Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India	​​First woman lawyer to be directly elevated to the Supreme Court from the Bar.
8	Justice Indira Banerjee	August 2018	Present	​​Chief Justice, Madras High Court	Known for her legal understanding and commitment to justice.
9	Justice Hima Kohli	January 2021	Present	Chief Justice, Telangana High Court	​​Known for her strong stance on women’s rights and social justice.
10	Justice B.V. Nagarathna	August 2021	Present	Judge, Karnataka High Court	​​Projected to become the first woman Chief Justice of India in 2027.

Conclusion

Apart from dismantling barriers based on gender, these trailblazing women have transformed India’s legal system and motivated upcoming generations to pursue legal careers. Their immense contributions to law and society will inspire positive change and equality.

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