Paying tribute to senior advocate and prominent jurist, Fali Nariman, who passed away on February 21, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) N Venkatraman said, “A veteran and a legend has passed away physically from this world after rendering great service for over seven decades, contributing to the organic growth of both the Constitution and Administrative Law Jurisprudence."
Fali S. Nariman, expert in constitutional law, was often called the 'Bhishma Pitamah' of India's lawyer community.
Nariman enrolled as a lawyer in 1950 and practiced almost till the time of his demise. The ASG noted that Nariman’s fearless advocacy and the courage to stand up and defend the rule of law remained his hallmark throughout his life.
The departed senior lawyer, who began his practice in the Bombay High Court, shifted to Delhi on being appointed as an Additional Solicitor General (ASG) in the Supreme Court by the Indira Gandhi Government in 1972. However, he resigned from the post in 1975 in protest of the internal emergency being declared.
“His voice on press freedom, issues of public importance, and upholding democratic values as a pre-condition for the survival and betterment for future generations would continue to echo, and his speeches and writings would inspire many young lawyers of many generations to come,” Venkatraman said.
According to the ASG, Nariman will find a place in the unique club of eminent jurists of Bharat and his autobiography would impact many advocates to make him their role-model. A prolific author, Nariman has written nearly 10 books, including his latest work titled, 'You Must Know Your Constitution,’ which outlines how the Indian constitution has evolved over time. However, Nariman’s most popular book till date remains his autobiography titled ‘Before memory fades’.
Venkatraman said, “The death of Late Fali Nariman is just a physical death. However, his contributions to the Indian Judicial system will remain immortal”.
‘Eloquent and inspirational’ says ASG Vikramjit Banerjee:
ASG Vikramjit Banerjee, who worked with Nariman on a few cases, said, “Mr Nariman was a huge inspiration for us as aspiring lawyers in law school. He was a legend. Fortunate to have worked with him in a few matters. His ability to grasp matters and formulate arguments was legendary and I saw it first-hand”.
Banerjee noted that Nariman was very warm to his junior colleagues. He said, “Saw him for the first time in person in Kolkata, at a programme where he spoke about the history of the Bombay and Calcutta Bar. Eloquent and inspirational. End of an era”.
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