India woke up to the somber news of the passing away of eminent jurist and senior Supreme Court advocate Fali S Nariman on the early morning of February 21, 2023. At the age of 95, Fali Nariman left behind a legacy that is unparalleled in the annals of Indian legal history. His demise has cast a shadow of grief across the nation, with tributes pouring in from all quarters, reflecting the profound impact he had on India’s legal and constitutional framework.
A Towering Figure in Indian Jurisprudence
Fali S Nariman, born on January 10, 1929, in Rangoon, embarked on his legal journey by enrolling as an advocate of the Bombay High Court in November 1950. Over the span of his illustrious career, Nariman became synonymous with judicial integrity, constitutional law, and civil liberties. His legal acumen was recognized with prestigious awards like the Padma Bhushan in 1991 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2007.
During his seven-plus decades in the field, Nariman was involved in several landmark cases that shaped the course of Indian law and justice, including the Emergency, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, and numerous pivotal constitutional challenges.
Nation’s Leaders Pay Tribute
His death prompted an outpouring of condolences from India’s top political and legal figures, illustrating Nariman’s broad spectrum of influence and respect. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered him as “among the most outstanding legal minds and intellectuals,” emphasizing Fali Nariman’s devotion to making justice accessible to the common citizen.
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
Rahul Gandhi, a senior politician, expressed his condolences, highlighting Nariman’s role in shaping landmark cases and inspiring generations of jurists to uphold the Constitution’s sanctity.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Fali Nariman, whose demise leaves a profound void in the legal community.
His contributions have not only shaped landmark cases, but have also inspired generations of jurists to uphold the sanctity of our Constitution… pic.twitter.com/K9Uv90csPz
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 21, 2024
Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, referred to Nariman as a “Giant of Law,” remarking on the deep void his passing leaves in the legal community. Other notable figures, including Arvind Kejriwal, Mallikarjun Kharge, Amit Shah, and Nirmala Sitharaman, have shared their sorrows and respected memories of Nariman, underlining the vast influence he wielded in legal and public spheres alike.
A Legacy That Will Live On
While the legal fraternity and the nation mourn the loss of Fali S Nariman, his contributions to Indian jurisprudence and civil liberties will not be forgotten. A trailblazer, a visionary, and a luminary, Nariman’s work has inspired countless lawyers, judges, and citizens, setting a shining example of unwavering commitment to justice and principle.
His role in challenging times, notably during the Emergency period, stands as a testament to his courage and dedication to upholding constitutional values against all odds. As admirers, colleagues, and the nation pay their respects, the void left by Fali Nariman’s passing is palpable, yet his legacy is immortalized in the cherished values and principles that continue to guide the path of justice in India.
The funeral, held at the Parsi Tower of Silence, saw a convergence of countless admirers, family members, and disciples from various walks of life, all united in their respect and love for a man who was more than just a lawyer, but a beacon of ethical practice and constitutional adherence.
In his passing, Fali S Nariman leaves behind not just a bereaved family and a grieving fraternity but a nation indebted to his service, a generation of lawyers nurtured by his wisdom, and a legacy that will forever illuminate the path of justice and constitutionalism in India.