Eminent jurist and a veteran senior advocate of the Supreme Court, Fali S Nariman, passed away at 95 in Delhi on Wednesday after suffering from multiple ailments, including cardiac issues. An influential figure in India's legal landscape, his contributions have impacted many landmark judgements in the country.
He was born on January 10, 1929 and served as the additional solicitor general from 1972 to 1975. Nariman stepped down from his post in protest against the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi. He received the Padma Bhushan in January 1991 and was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2007.
As a distinguished constitutional lawyer, Fali S Nariman left his mark in several landmark cases, including the famous NJAC verdict. He also appeared in the important SC AoR Association case, pivotal to establishing the collegium system, the TMA Pai case (on the scope of minority rights under Article 30). He resigned as the Additional Solicitor General of India to protest against the decision of the Indira Gandhi government to declare an emergency in June 1975.
Tributes poured in from the legal community with stalwarts like Kapil Sibal, Indira Jaising and Prashant Bhushan among others expressing sorrow over his demise. Sibal said, "A great son of India passes away. Not just one of the greatest lawyers in our country but one of the finest human beings who stood like a colossus above all. The corridors of the court will never be the same without him. May his soul rest in peace."
Indira Jaisaing said, "Fali S Nariman Senior Advovate has passed on from this world . He was the last of a generation on lawyers from Bombay who shaped and moulded the history of constitutional law in India, a voice that stood by secular values, for the Independence of the judiciary. My deepest condolences for his family."
Calling him a 'pillar for our Constitution & Civil Liberties', Prashant Bhushan said his 'unexpected passing is a huge loss to the legal community & the country'. He also shared a message that the veteran lawyer had sent him five days ago.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge also condoled his demise and said, "The passing away of eminent jurist, senior advocate, and a fierce votary of Constitutional Civil Liberties, Fali S Nariman is a huge loss to the legal system. A Padma Vibhushan recipient, his unwavering commitment to his principles remained steadfast and admirable. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and compatriots. May his soul rest in peace."