Who Was Fali Sam Nariman, India's Eminent Jurist Who Died at 95

India’s veteran jurist, Fali S. Nariman, renowned globally for his impeccable role in reshaping India’s legal and judicial system, passed away on Wednesday aged 95 here in Capital New Delhi. eminent vocate at Supreme Court, whose career spanned over seven deces, started his iconic journey in legal landscape as lawyer at Bombay High Court in November of 1950. His tenure was marked as President of Bar Association of India from 1991 to 2010 and he donning many hats in critical roles including ditional Solicitor General of India from May 1972 to June 1975.

Nariman, a gruate of St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, left remarkable imprints in legal affairs by his handling of signifiant cases such as Bhopal gas tragedy and Supreme Court AoR Association that earmarked collegium system, National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) and ors with legal excellency. His acumen and expertise in law and legal matters earned him myri accoles such as Pma Bhushan (1991) and Pma Vibhushan (2007). He was also honoured with Gruber Prize for Justice in year 2022. Nariman was nominated as member of Rajya Sabha, Upper House of Parliament of India for a term (1999–2005).

A 'leer' who promoted universal rule of law

President of Bar Association of India stood as a “leer” who promoted universal rule of law in modern era of emerging democracies. He brought transformative achievements in systems of jurisprudence. He played a vital role in establishing and enforcing laws in India. Known for taking a firm stand on issues, Nariman resigned from position of ditional Solicitor General of India after he protested against Emergency declared by n Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi. Nariman widely practiced in Supreme Court of India after moving to New Delhi in 1972.

Internationally, Nariman served as vice-chairman of International Court of Arbitration of ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) Paris from 1989 to 2005. He also served as president of International Council for Commercial Arbitration and chaired Executive Committee of International Commission of Jurists, Geneva, from 1995 to 1997. In his autobiography, ‘Before Memory Fes,’he  famously said, “I have lived and flourished in a secular India. In fullness of time if God wills, I would also like to die in a secular India.”