India bids farewell to one of its most esteemed legal figures, Fali S Nariman, who passed away at the age of 95. Recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of law, the country is in mourning for the loss of a true intellectual and jurist of high repute.
Born on January 10, 1929, in Myanmar to a Parsi family, Nariman began his illustrious career at the Bombay High Court before rising to the echelons of the legal community as a senior advocate at the Supreme Court since 1971. Renowned for his staunch adherence to principles and unshakeable integrity, he was often seen as a beacon of righteousness within legal and public life.
His staunch refusal to take up a judgeship at the Bombay High Court at the age of 38, below the minimum qualifying age, exemplified his characteristic boldness. Fali S Nariman, endowed with a brilliant mind, combined his legal prowess with a dedication to justice which won him two of India’s highest civilian honors—the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan.
Eminent personalities from the legal fraternity and beyond paid their respects to Nariman. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, a senior advocate and political figure, reminisced the passing as ‘an end of an era’, recognizing Nariman as a living legend who will live on in the hearts and minds of those within the law and public life. Singhvi referenced Nariman’s ability to ‘call a spade a spade,’ an attribute he shared with his accomplished son.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow, praising Nariman as one of the most outstanding legal minds and intellectuals. He noted the jurist’s lifelong mission to make justice accessible to the common citizen and extended his condolences to his family and admirers. Likewise, former Law Minister and senior advocate Kapil Sibal reflected on the enormity of the loss, describing Nariman as ‘a great son of India’ and a towering figure whose presence will be deeply missed in the corridors of the court.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta aptly encapsulated the nation’s loss, referring to Nariman as a ‘towering figure of intellect and wisdom’. The Solicitor General cherished memories of sharing homemade buttermilk and anecdotes with Nariman, whose autographed books will remain treasured possessions. Mehta emphasized that intellectual giants like Nariman do not die; they live eternally through their contributions.
Paying tribute to Nariman, figures like Prashant Bhushan, Sanjay Hegde, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shared their admiration for the late jurist. Characterized as a ‘Bhishma Pitamah’ of the lawyer community and a beacon of wisdom and empathy, Nariman’s loss is felt across multiple spectra of society.
Fali Nariman’s impact extended beyond legal judgments to inspire generations of jurists to uphold the sanctity of the Constitution and civil liberties. His commitment to justice and fairness is a legacy that will continue to guide and influence future generations. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud mourned him as a ‘great giant of an intellectual,’ echoing the sentiments of an entire nation brought together in grief and homage.
Marked by honor and profound respect, Fali Nariman’s demise on February 21, 2024, is recorded as a significant moment in India’s history, commemorating the life of a man who was much more than a lawyer—he was a guide, a philosopher, and a true son of the soil whose memory will resonate in the annals of Indian law for years to come.
Published By: Shreyasi Jha Published On: Feb 21, 2024