Distinguished constitutional jurist and senior advocate of the Supreme Court, Fali S Nariman, passed away in New Delhi today, on February 21, 2024, at the age of 95.

The respected jurist received the Padma Bhushan in January 1991 and was further honored with the Padma Vibhushan in 2007.

He became an advocate of the Bombay High Court in November 1950, later earning the designation of senior advocate in 1961. Over more than 70 years, he practiced law, initially in the High Court of Bombay and since 1972, in New Delhi’s Supreme Court of India. In May 1972, he transitioned from Bombay to Delhi and was appointed Additional Solicitor General of India.

Nariman served as the president of the Bar Association of India from 1991 to 2010. He also held the position of vice-chairman of the International Court of Arbitration of the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) Paris from 1989 to 2005. Moreover, he served as the president of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration, among other prominent roles. Moreover, he chaired the Executive Committee of the International Commission of Jurists in Geneva from 1995 to 1997.

Renowned for his expertise in constitutional law, Fali S. Nariman has presented arguments in numerous landmark cases, NJAC verdict being among others. He also played a significant role in pivotal cases such as the SC AoR Association case, which contributed to the establishment of the collegium system, and the TMA Pai case, addressing the extent of minority rights under Article 30 of the Constitution. 

In a bold stand against the decision of the Indira Gandhi government to declare emergency, Nariman resigned from his position as the Additional Solicitor General of India in June 1975, demonstrating his commitment to principles of justice and democracy.

Nariman was a prominent public figure whose opinions on judicial matters held significant influence. He recently criticized the judgment in the Article 370 case.

His autobiography “Before Memory Fades” enjoys widespread readership, particularly among law students and young lawyers, serving as a source of inspiration for them. He has authored other notable works such as “The State of Nation” and “God Save the Hon’ble Supreme Court.”