Nariman argued in several landmark cases, including the famous case of the National Judicial Appointments Commission
Published Feb 21, 2024 | 9:57 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 21, 2024 | 11:12 AM
Fali Sam Nariman. (10 January 1929 - 21 February 2024) (Photo: X)
Legal doyen and veteran advocate Fali S Nariman died in New Delhi on Wednesday, 21 February, aged 95.
He was suffering from multiple ailments, including cardiac issues.
In his long and illustrious legal career, Nariman argued in several landmark cases, including the famous case of the National Judicial Appointments Commission, which was struck down by the Supreme Court.
Other cases included the Bhopal gas tragedy case, the TMA Pai case, and the Jayalalithaa disproportionate assets case.
Born on 10 January 1929 to Sam Bariyamji Nariman and Banoo Nariman in Rangoon (now Yangon). The Nariman family fled to India in the face of the Japanese invasion in 1942 when Nariman was 12.
He practised law for more than 70 years, initially in the Bombay High Court and since 1972, in the Supreme Court.
Nariman served as the additional solicitor general between 1972 and 1975. He resigned from the post during the Emergency on 26 June, 1975.
Nariman received the Padma Bhushan in January 1991, and in 2007, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan. He was awarded the Gruber Prize for Justice in 2002.
His son, Rohinton Nariman, was a judge of the Supreme Court.
Condoling the death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Nariman was among the most outstanding legal minds and intellectuals.
“He devoted his life to making justice accessible to common citizens. I am pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. May his soul rest in peace,” Modi posted on X.
Shri Fali Nariman Ji was among the most outstanding legal minds and intellectuals. He devoted his life to making justice accessible to common citizens. I am pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. May his soul rest in peace.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 21, 2024
Nariman was a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha between 1999 and 2005. He had served as the President of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration, President of the Bar Association of India, Vice-Chairman of the Internal Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce, honorary member of the International Commission of Jurists, member of the London Court of International Arbitration.
He was appointed to the Advisory Board of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in November, and served as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the International Commission of Jurists from 1995 to 1997.
He represented the Gujarat Government in the Narmada rehabilitation case but resigned shortly after attacks on Christians and the burning of copies of the Bible.
Nariman, who was often referred to as the “Bhishma Pitamah” of the Indian judiciary, authored books, including Before the Memory Fades, The State of the Nation, India’s Legal System: Can it be Saved? and God Save the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
Nariman had also penned an autobiography Before Memory Fades.
(With PTI inputs)
