Fali Sam Nariman: Legendary Law Man

Fali Sam Nariman (10 January 1929 – 21 February 2024) was an Indian jurist. He was a senior advocate to the Supreme Court of India from 1971 and was the President of the Bar Association of India from 1991 to 2010. Nariman was an internationally recognised jurist on international arbitration. He was honoured with the 19th Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2018. He was one of India's most distinguished constitutional lawyers and argued several leading cases. He was the Additional Solicitor General of India from May 1972 to June 1975.

Early life and education

Nariman was born in Bombay (now Mumbai) on 10 January 1929. He was the son of Sam Nariman, a Parsi lawyer, and Mithanbai Nariman. He was educated at the Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai and the Bishop Cotton School in Shimla. He then went on to study law at the Government Law College, Mumbai, where he graduated in 1950.

Legal career

Nariman began his legal career as a junior to Nani Palkhivala, one of India's leading lawyers. He quickly established himself as a formidable advocate and was appointed a Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court of India in 1971.

Nariman appeared in a number of landmark cases, including the Kesavananda Bharati case, which established the basic structure doctrine of the Indian Constitution; the Minerva Mills case, which held that the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution cannot be abrogated even by Parliament; and the S.R. Bommai case, which held that the President of India cannot dismiss a state government on the basis of a subjective satisfaction.

Nariman was also a leading advocate in international arbitration. He appeared in a number of cases before the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. He was also a member of the International Law Commission from 1991 to 2001.

Awards and honours

Nariman was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1991 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2007. He was also awarded the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in Public Administration in 2018.

Death

Nariman died on 21 February 2024 at the age of 95. He is survived by his wife, Babi Nariman, and their two children, Rohinton Nariman and Anahita Nariman.

Legacy

Fali Sam Nariman was one of India's most distinguished constitutional lawyers. He was a brilliant advocate and a fearless defender of the rule of law. His contributions to Indian jurisprudence will be remembered for many years to come.