Leila Seth: First Woman as Chief Justice of a State High Court

Justice Leila Seth blazed trails throughout her illustrious career, breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings in the Indian legal landscape. Hailing as the first woman judge on the Delhi High Court and subsequently ascending to become the inaugural female Chief Justice of a State High Court, she etched her name in history. Not stopping there, Seth achieved another milestone as the initial woman designated as a senior counsel by the Supreme Court of India.

Her journey commenced in 1930, born into a family grappling with financial hardship after her father’s premature demise. Despite the challenges, her mother ensured Seth received an education at Loreto Convent, Darjeeling. Following her schooling, she embarked on a career as a stenographer in Kolkata, where fate intertwined her path with Prem Seth, leading to their ‘semi-arranged’ marriage at the tender age of 20.

The pursuit of law beckoned, prompting Seth’s enrollment at Lincoln’s Inn in London, leveraging the opportunity facilitated by her husband’s professional endeavors. Juggling familial responsibilities with legal studies, she seized the London Bar exam in 1958, clinching the top position, a historic feat as the first woman to do so. Returning to India, Seth commenced her legal practice in Patna, later transitioning to the Delhi High Court in 1972, marking the onset of a distinguished judicial career.

Her tenure saw myriad achievements, including pivotal roles in the Patna and Delhi High Courts, culminating in her appointment as the Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court, a groundbreaking milestone for women in the judiciary. Throughout her tenure, Seth’s commitment to justice remained unwavering, exemplified by her membership on the 15th Law Commission of India and her advocacy for women’s inheritance rights.

However, Seth’s journey wasn’t devoid of challenges. Gender bias reared its head, with her early contributions often dismissed or overlooked. Refusing to be pigeonholed, she eschewed ‘women’s cases,’ determined to transcend stereotypes. Despite encountering resistance, Seth’s resolve remained unyielding, her perseverance a testament to her indomitable spirit.

Beyond her legal prowess, Seth was a staunch advocate for marginalized communities, championing LGBTQ+ rights and supporting her son Vikram when he came out as gay. Her legacy endures as an inspiration for generations, her unwavering dedication to justice and equality a beacon of hope in an often-unforgiving world.

In 2017, Justice Leila Seth bid farewell, leaving behind a legacy etched in the annals of Indian jurisprudence. Though she may have departed this world, her spirit lives on, an enduring testament to the power of resilience, determination, and unwavering integrity in the pursuit of justice.

_{Repurposed article originally published in She the People}