{"id":47084,"date":"2023-12-22T15:12:24","date_gmt":"2023-12-22T09:42:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/?post_type=general-knowledge&#038;p=47084"},"modified":"2025-10-07T23:57:16","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T18:27:16","slug":"first-woman-chief-justice-of-india","status":"publish","type":"general-knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/hi\/general-knowledge\/first-woman-chief-justice-of-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Leila Seth: The First Woman Chief Justice of India"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-first-woman-chief-justice-of-india-leila-seth\">The First Woman Chief Justice of India: Leila Seth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-overcoming-all-challenges-and-being-the-first-woman-chief-justice-of-india\">Overcoming All Challenges and Being the First Woman Chief Justice of India<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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 the first female chief justice of India. 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 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_sitting_judges_of_the_Supreme_Court_of_India\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_sitting_judges_of_the_Supreme_Court_of_India\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">justices of the Supreme Court<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First Woman Chief Justice: 5 Bold Milestones<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Breaking the Glass Ceiling<\/strong>: Becoming the first woman Chief Justice of India, a historic moment in the nation\u2019s judicial history.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trailblazing Judicial Career<\/strong>: Rising from an advocate to the highest judicial office through decades of exemplary service and dedication.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Championing Gender Equality<\/strong>: Advocating for equal rights and opportunities for women in law and society, inspiring future generations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Landmark Judgments<\/strong>: Delivering progressive rulings that strengthened constitutional values, women\u2019s rights, and access to justice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Enduring Legacy<\/strong>: Leaving behind a pathbreaking legacy that reshaped the judiciary and opened doors for more women in leadership.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Beyond Judiciary: Advocacy and Reforms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>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.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>She championed gender equality, leading to reforms in the Hindu Succession Act, ensuring equal inheritance rights for daughters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As an author, her autobiography, On Balance, chronicles her life and career, while her writings reflect her deep commitment to justice and human rights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-first-woman-chief-justice-of-india-early-life\">First Woman Chief Justice of India Early Life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-childhood-and-obstacles\"><strong>1. Childhood and Obstacles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Born on October 20, 1930, in Lucknow, India, Leila Seth broke multiple barriers in the legal field. She became Delhi High Court&#8217;s first female judge and later India\u2019s first female Chief Justice. Despite societal discouragement, she pursued law, passing the London Bar Exam and earning her law degree. Through hard work and determination, she paved the way for women in India\u2019s legal system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Achievements:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First female judge of the Delhi High Court.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First female Chief Justice of a state in India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Passed the London Bar Exam, becoming a legal expert.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faced and overcame gender biases in a male-dominated profession.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Became a Supreme Court advocate in 1958.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Championed justice, equality, and legal reforms throughout her career.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" background-orange\">Leila Seth\u2019s journey is an inspiration for women in law, proving that with determination and intelligence, anything is possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-married-life-and-education\"><strong>2. Married Life and Education<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Leila Seth balanced her personal and professional life with grace and determination. After marrying Premo Seth in 1951, she raised three children while continuing her legal career. She started as a lawyer in the Patna High Court and later moved to Delhi, where she made history as the first female judge of the Delhi High Court in 1978. In 1991, she became the first female Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. She was a strong advocate for gender equality, social justice, and children&#8217;s rights, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Achievements:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Managed family life while excelling in her legal career.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Became Delhi High Court\u2019s first female judge (1978).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Appointed Himachal Pradesh\u2019s first female Chief Justice (1991).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advocated for gender equality and social justice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fought for women\u2019s and children\u2019s rights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inspired future generations to challenge barriers and pursue law.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Leila Seth\u2019s life is a testament to determination, resilience, and breaking stereotypes in the legal world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-first-woman-chief-justice-of-india-in-legal-career\">First Woman Chief Justice of India in Legal Career<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Leila Seth: India\u2019s First Female Judge of the Delhi High Court<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Leila Seth was a pioneering figure in Indian law, known for breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in the legal profession. As the first woman to become a judge of the Delhi High Court and the first woman Chief Justice of a state High Court in India, her achievements were truly historic. Her resilience, sharp intellect, and unwavering commitment to justice inspired countless individuals, especially women, to pursue careers in law and stand strong in the face of adversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"614\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Leila-Seth-1024x614.png\" alt=\"Leila Seth, First woman chief justice of India\" class=\"wp-image-68219\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Leila-Seth-1024x614.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Leila-Seth-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Leila-Seth-768x461.png 768w, https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Leila-Seth-1536x922.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Leila-Seth-150x90.png 150w, https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Leila-Seth.png 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-from-start-to-being-first-woman-judge-in-1978\"><strong>From Start to Being First Woman Judge in 1978<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Leila Seth was a trailblazer in the Indian legal system. Despite facing gender bias in a male-dominated field, she built a remarkable career through hard work, legal expertise, and dedication to justice. She became the first woman judge of the Delhi High Court in 1978 and the first female member of the Law Commission in 1974. Her life was dedicated to human rights, gender equality, and legal reform, making her an inspiration for future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key Achievements &amp; Milestones:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Started her legal career in the 1950s, overcoming gender stereotypes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Appointed as a judge in the Patna High Court, marking the beginning of her judicial journey.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>She faced challenges due to gender bias, but her legal skills earned respect from peers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moved to Delhi in the 1960s, where she gained recognition for her legal expertise.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Became the first Indian woman to serve on the Law Commission in 1974, advocating for legislative reforms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Made history in 1978 as the first female judge of the Delhi High Court.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focused on human rights, justice, and gender equality, working tirelessly for social change.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fought for the rights of the oppressed, influencing India&#8217;s legal landscape.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Leila Seth\u2019s legacy continues to inspire women to break barriers and pursue leadership roles in law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"from-judge-to-first-woman-chief-justice-of-india\"><strong>From Judge to First Woman Chief Justice of India<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-passing-of-justice-leila-seth\">The passing of Justice Leila Seth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-leila-seth-a-legacy-of-equity-and-empowerment\">Leila Seth: A Legacy of Equity and Empowerment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Justice Leila Seth&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Trailblazing Achievements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Breaking Barriers in Law:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>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.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>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.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In 1991, she became the first woman Chief Justice of a High Court in India, leading the Himachal Pradesh High Court with distinction.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Contributions to Legal Reforms:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>She played a key role in the Justice Verma Committee (2012), which recommended critical amendments to India\u2019s laws on sexual assault, promoting stricter enforcement and protection for victims.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Justice Seth was instrumental in the amendment of the Hindu Succession Act, ensuring equal property inheritance rights for daughters.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Advocate for Human Rights:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Known for her compassion and commitment to equity, Justice Seth championed causes related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/general-knowledge\/women-empowerment-essay\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/general-knowledge\/women-empowerment-essay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>women\u2019s empowerment<\/strong><\/a>, children&#8217;s rights, and gender equality. Her leadership inspired progressive changes in the Indian legal system<strong>.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-first-female-chief-justice-of-india\"><a><\/a>The First Female Chief Justice of India<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Justice M. Fathima Beevi: India\u2019s First Female Chief Justice<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sci.gov.in\/judge\/justice-m-fathima-beevi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Justice M. Fathima Beevi<\/strong><\/a>, born on April 30, 1927, in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, made history as India\u2019s first female Supreme Court judge in 1989. Starting her career in Kerala\u2019s judicial system, she overcame gender bias and climbed the ranks through hard work and dedication. Her journey paved the way for women in the legal profession, inspiring future generations to break barriers and achieve success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"614\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Justice-M.-Fathima-Beevi-1024x614.png\" alt=\"justice M. Fathima Beevi, The First Female Judge of India\" class=\"wp-image-68218\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Justice-M.-Fathima-Beevi-1024x614.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Justice-M.-Fathima-Beevi-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Justice-M.-Fathima-Beevi-768x461.png 768w, https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Justice-M.-Fathima-Beevi-1536x922.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Justice-M.-Fathima-Beevi-150x90.png 150w, https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Justice-M.-Fathima-Beevi.png 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key Milestones &amp; Achievements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Education:<\/strong> Completed B.Sc. and Law degree from Trivandrum.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1950:<\/strong> Enrolled as an advocate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1958:<\/strong> Appointed as Munsiff in Kerala&#8217;s Subordinate Judicial Services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1968-1974:<\/strong> Promoted through various ranks, becoming District &amp; Sessions Judge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1980:<\/strong> Served as Judicial Member of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1983-1989:<\/strong> Appointed as High Court Judge and later became a permanent judge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1989:<\/strong> Created history as India\u2019s first female Supreme Court judge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1992:<\/strong> Retired after an illustrious career in the judiciary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Justice Beevi\u2019s journey is a testament to perseverance, breaking gender stereotypes, and empowering women in the legal field. She remains an inspiration for future generations striving for justice and equality.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-challenges-of-becoming-cji-in-the-nineties\">Challenges of Becoming (CJI) in the 90s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-social-status-of-chief-justice-of-india\"><strong>1. Social Status of Chief Justice of India<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;s pay and working conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"614\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Dr.-Justice-D.Y.-Chandrachud-Chief-Justice-of-India-1024x614.png\" alt=\"Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Chief Justice of India\" class=\"wp-image-68217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Dr.-Justice-D.Y.-Chandrachud-Chief-Justice-of-India-1024x614.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Dr.-Justice-D.Y.-Chandrachud-Chief-Justice-of-India-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Dr.-Justice-D.Y.-Chandrachud-Chief-Justice-of-India-768x461.png 768w, https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Dr.-Justice-D.Y.-Chandrachud-Chief-Justice-of-India-1536x922.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Dr.-Justice-D.Y.-Chandrachud-Chief-Justice-of-India-150x90.png 150w, https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Dr.-Justice-D.Y.-Chandrachud-Chief-Justice-of-India.png 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-the-social-background-of-that-time\"><strong>2. The Social Background of That Time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The 1980s marked a watershed decade for social transformation in Indian society. During this period, the women&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-challenges-for-women-to-get-an-education\"><strong>3. Challenges for Women to Get an Education<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;s society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-women-judges-from-the-indian-supreme-court\">Women Judges from the Indian Supreme Court<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the establishment of the Supreme Court of India, the presence of women in the judiciary has gradually increased. Although true gender parity remains a work in progress, the appointment of female judges to high-ranking positions particularly as Chief Justices has played a significant role in shaping India\u2019s legal landscape. Their contributions have brought fresh perspectives and positively influenced the country&#8217;s evolving judicial and regulatory framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-female-chief-justice-of-india-lists\"><strong>List of Female Chief Justices of India<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A List of female Chief Justices of India&#8217;s Supreme Court includes the following:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>No<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Name<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Date of Appointment<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Date of Retirement<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Position before being appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court<\/strong> &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Notes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1<\/td><td><strong>Fathima Beevi <\/strong><\/td><td>6 October 1989<\/td><td>29 April 1992<\/td><td>Judge of the Kerala High Court &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>First female judge of the Supreme Court of India &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2<\/td><td><strong>Sujata Manohar<\/strong><\/td><td>8 November 1994<\/td><td>27 August 1999 &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>Chief Justice, Bombay High Court &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>Known for her progressive judgments on human rights and women\u2019s rights. &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3<\/td><td><strong>Justice Ruma Pal <\/strong><\/td><td>January 2000 &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>June 2006 &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>\u200b\u200bJudge, Calcutta High Court &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>\u200b\u200bRenowned for her integrity and involvement in landmark judgments. &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4<\/td><td><strong>Justice Gyan Sudha Misra<\/strong><\/td><td>April 2010 &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>April 2014 &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>\u200b\u200bJudge, Jharkhand High Court &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>Known for her clear and concise judgments, especially in women\u2019s rights and social justice. &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5<\/td><td><strong>Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai <\/strong><\/td><td>September 2011 &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>October 2014 &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>\u200b\u200bJudge, Bombay High Court &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>Served with distinction and was part of several significant judgments. &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>6<\/td><td><strong>Justice R. Banumathi<\/strong><\/td><td>August 2014 &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>\u200b\u200bJuly 2020 &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>\u200b\u200bChief Justice, Jharkhand High Court &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>Had a long and illustrious career in the judiciary, known for her fairness. &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>7<\/td><td><strong>Justice Indu Malhotra<\/strong><\/td><td>April 2018 &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>\u200b\u200bMarch 2021 &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>\u200b\u200bSenior Advocate, Supreme Court of India &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>\u200b\u200bFirst woman lawyer to be directly elevated to the Supreme Court from the Bar. &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>8<\/td><td><strong>Justice Indira Banerjee<\/strong><\/td><td>August 2018 &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>Present &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>\u200b\u200bChief Justice, Madras High Court &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>Known for her legal understanding and commitment to justice. &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>9<\/td><td><strong>Justice Hima Kohli<\/strong><\/td><td>January 2021 &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>Present<\/td><td>Chief Justice, Telangana High Court &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>\u200b\u200bKnown for her strong stance on women\u2019s rights and social justice. &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>10<\/td><td><strong>Justice B.V. Nagarathna<\/strong><\/td><td>August 2021 &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>Present<\/td><td>Judge, Karnataka High Court &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><td>\u200b\u200bProjected to become the first woman Chief Justice of India in 2027. &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading conclusion-heading\" id=\"h-conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Justice Leila Seth was a true trailblazer in India\u2019s legal system. As the first woman Chief Justice of a High Court, she broke gender barriers and opened doors for women in law. Her dedication to justice, legal reform, and gender equality left a powerful legacy. She also played a key role in shaping laws that protect women\u2019s rights in India. Justice Seth\u2019s inspiring journey encourages students and future legal professionals to aim high and believe in change, making her a symbol of progress in the Indian judiciary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"read-more\"><strong><strong>Read More<\/strong>:-<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/general-knowledge\/list-of-chief-justice-of-india\/\"><strong>List of Chief Justices of India (1950-2023)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/general-knowledge\/list-of-vice-president-of-india\/\"><strong>List of Vice Presidents of India from 1950 to 2023<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/general-knowledge\/draupadi-murmu-tribe\/\"><strong>Draupadi Murmu Tribe: Trailblazing India&#8217;s Presidential Path<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/general-knowledge\/public-interest-litigation-in-india\/\"><strong>Public Interest Litigation in India: Empowering Citizens for Justice<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading faq-heading\" id=\"h-the-first-woman-chief-justice-of-india-faqs\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block vertical-line\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-667cd80debe98\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Who was Leila Seth?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Leila Seth, a retired Justice, made history as the first female Chief Justice of a state high court in India. She was also celebrated as the mother of acclaimed writer Vikram Seth. Her passing marks the end of an era.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-667cd80debe9a\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>When was Leila Seth appointed as a High Court Judge?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Leila Seth took on the role of a High Court Judge in 1978 upon her appointment to the Delhi High Court.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1752997551255\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What were Justice Seth\u2019s major \u2018firsts\u2019 in her career?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>She was the first Indian woman to top the London Bar exam (1958), the first woman judge of the Delhi High Court (1978), and the first woman Chief Justice of a High Court in India.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-667cd80debe9b\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Who was the first Chief Justice of India?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>On January 28, 1950, during the Supreme Court&#8217;s first session, Hon. Justice Harilal J. Kania, the country&#8217;s first Chief Justice, was pictured with the Chief Justices of all High Courts and other Supreme Court judges on a dais.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-667cd80debe9c\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Which is India&#8217;s first women&#8217;s court<\/strong>?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court Arun Mishra opened the country&#8217;s first court dedicated to dealing with crimes against women.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-667cd80debe9d\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>First woman Chief Justice of Patna High Court?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The Patna High Court&#8217;s first female chief justice was Ms. Rekha Doshit.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-667cd80debe9e\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>First woman Chief Justice of Kerala High Court?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court was Indian jurist K. K. Usha, who was born on July 3, 1939, and passed away on October 5, 2020.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1742890852002\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Who was the first female Supreme Court Chief Justice?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>India has not yet had a female Supreme Court Chief Justice. The first female judge of the Supreme Court of India was Justice Fathima Beevi in 1989.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1742894188817\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Who was the first woman chief minister of the Supreme Court?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The first woman Chief Minister of an Indian state was Sucheta Kriplani, who became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 1963.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1752997652864\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What notable legal reforms did Leila seth contribute to?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Justice Seth was instrumental in amending the Hindu Succession Act (granting daughters equal inheritance rights) and served on the Justice Verma Committee (2012) recommending stronger laws against sexual violence after the Nirbhaya case<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":176,"featured_media":282987,"template":"","meta":[],"general-knowledge-category":[24743],"class_list":["post-47084","general-knowledge","type-general-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","general-knowledge-category-india-at-a-glance"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/general-knowledge\/47084","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/general-knowledge"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/general-knowledge"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/176"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/282987"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47084"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"general-knowledge-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/general-knowledge-category?post=47084"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}