In an intriguing incident, retired Delhi High Court Chief Justice Leila Seth, mother of renowned novelist Vikram Seth, faced an unexpected ordeal when her old Ambassador car was stolen right in front of her house. Despite her stature, the police were initially uncooperative until they learned of her identity as a former judge.
The incident, detailed in Justice Seth’s autobiography, “On Balance”, occurred in the 1980s. Seth, who had made history as the first woman Chief Justice of a High Court in India, was living in a rented house in Golf Links, as she had not yet been allotted a government residence. One evening, upon returning home, she found her cream-colored Ambassador car missing.
Initially, Seth thought her son might have taken the car, but she soon realized it was stolen. When she approached the Tughlak Road police station, the officer on duty was disinterested in registering her complaint. He insisted on knowing the exact time of the theft, which Seth could not provide.
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The situation took a dramatic turn when Seth’s husband, Premo, mentioned that the car belonged to his wife, the judge of the Delhi High Court. The police officer’s demeanor changed instantly, reflecting surprise and urgency. He quickly registered the FIR and began making calls.
Fortunately, the car was recovered a few days later near the Delhi border. However, the incident left Seth contemplating the general public’s struggles in dealing with the police. Her experience highlighted the bureaucratic challenges faced by ordinary citizens, contrasting sharply with the preferential treatment received upon revealing her judicial status.
Justice Leila Seth, known for her significant contributions to Indian law and women’s rights, passed away in 2017.
