Legal Legend Fali S Nariman Passes Away At 95, CJI Mourns 'Giant of Law'

Eminent jurist Fali S. Nariman, renowned for his towering presence in India's legal landscape, passed away at the age of 95. Nariman, a towering figure in India's legal landscape, breathed his last, leaving behind a legacy of legal brilliance and advocacy.

He was suffering from multiple ailments, including cardiac issues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday condoled legal doyen Fali S Nariman's death and said he had devoted his life to making justice accessible to common citizens. In a post on X, Modi said: ''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,'' the prime minister said.

Abhishek Singhvi extended his heartfelt condolences and called him called him legendary figure in law and public life who stood by his principles unwaveringly.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he said, "End of an era-#falinariman passes away, a living legend who wl forever be in hearts &minds of those in law &public life. Above all his diverse achievements, he stuck to his principles unwaveringly &called a spade a spade, a quality shared by his brilliant son #Rohinton."

Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud condoled the death of legal doyen and veteran advocate Fali S Nariman, saying he was a "great giant of an intellectual".

Nariman died here on Wednesday at the age of 95.

"Mr Attorney General, we mourn the sad demise and passing away of Fali Nariman. He was a great giant of an intellectual," Chandrachud told Attorney General R Venkataramani as he began the day's proceedings in the apex court.

Nariman was born on January 10, 1929, in Rangoon, Burma (now Yangon, Myanmar), into a family with a legal background. He studied at the Government Law College in Mumbai and began his legal career in 1950. Over the years, he earned a reputation as one of India's most distinguished legal minds, known for his expertise in constitutional, administrative, and commercial law.

Throughout his illustrious career, Nariman appeared in several landmark cases that shaped Indian jurisprudence. He was a staunch defender of civil liberties and a vocal advocate for judicial independence. His arguments were characterised by their clarity, precision, and depth of knowledge, earning him respect from peers and adversaries alike.

Nariman's contributions to Indian law extended beyond the courtroom.

Nariman served as the additional solicitor general between 1972 and 1975. He resigned from the post during Emergency.

Nariman received the Padma Bhushan in January 1991 and in 2007, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan.

His son, Rohinton Nariman, was a judge of the Supreme Court.