Fali S. Nariman, an esteemed figure in the Indian judiciary and a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, has passed away at the age of 95. Known as the “Bhishma Pitaamah” of the Indian judiciary, Nariman played a pivotal role in several landmark judgments that shaped the legal landscape of the country.
Nariman’s illustrious career saw him involved in numerous Constitution bench cases, where his exceptional oratory skills and sharp advocacy contributed significantly to the interpretation of constitutional provisions and the evolution of the legal framework. Among his notable cases were the Golak Nath case, TMA Pai case, and SP Gupta and NJAC case, where he championed the cause of judicial independence and constitutional values.
Apart from his legal career, Nariman was also a prolific author, penning books such as “Before the Memory Fades,” “The State of the Nation,” and “India’s Legal System: Can it be Saved?” He was born on January 10, 1929, in Rangoon, British India, and enrolled as an advocate of the Bombay High Court in 1950, later becoming a designated senior advocate in 1961.
Throughout his more than 70-year career in law, Nariman made significant contributions to the legal fraternity, initially practicing in the Bombay High Court before moving on to the Supreme Court. He served as the Additional Solicitor General of India in 1972 but resigned shortly after the imposition of the Emergency in 1975. His legacy continues through his son, Justice Rohinton F. Nariman, a former judge of the Supreme Court.
