New Delhi: Renowned lawyer and distinguished jurist Fali S. Nariman, Senior Advocate, passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy of upholding constitutional liberties, secular values, and judicial independence. His demise has led to an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from the legal fraternity, reflecting on his remarkable life and contributions.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal described Nariman as a "great son of India," highlighting his stature as not only the country's greatest lawyer but also as a fine human being who stood tall above all. Sibal expressed that the corridors of the court will never be the same without Nariman.
Fali Nariman
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) February 21, 2024
A great son of India passes away. Not just one of the greatest lawyers of our country but one of the finest human beings who stood like a colossus above all . The corridors of the court will never be the same without him.
May his soul rest in peace.
Senior Advocate Indira Jaising praised Nariman for shaping the history of constitutional law in India, noting his unwavering commitment to secular values and judicial independence.
Fali S Nariman Senior Advovate has passed on from this world . He was the last of a generation on lawyers from Bombay who shaped and moulded the history of constitutional law in India, a voice that stood by secular values, for the Independence of the judiciary. My deepest…
— Indira Jaising (@IJaising) February 21, 2024
Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi hailed Nariman as "a living legend" who remained principled throughout his illustrious career, a trait shared by his son, Rohinton Nariman.
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.
— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) February 21, 2024
Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde lamented Nariman's passing, stating that the Rule of Law has lost its greatest warrior.
The Rule of Law in India has lost its greatest warrior today. Go well Fali Sir. I have learnt so much from you and above all am grateful for your kindness. You will continue to inspire generations of men and women of law. Aavjo Saheb. Maliye.... pic.twitter.com/9t9flaMiw6
— SANJAY HEGDE (@sanjayuvacha) February 21, 2024
Advocate Prashant Bhushan shared a letter from Nariman congratulating him on the victory in the Electoral Bonds case. Nariman expressed hope that the Supreme Court's test of "manifest arbitrariness" used in that case might lead to striking down provisions like the "no-bail-for-now" provision in recently enacted laws.
Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani mourned Nariman's loss, describing him as an inspirational and towering figure in the Indian Bar.
In the very sad demise of #FaliNariman, legal doyen, accomplished Parliamentarian and the very epitome of a true gentleman in all he did , the nation and the Indian Bar has lost an inspirational and towering personality. I shared some very special moments with him which I will…
— Mahesh Jethmalani (@JethmalaniM) February 21, 2024
Senior Advocate Sanjay Ghose urged the Bar to commit itself to the integrity and independence that Nariman epitomized.
Fali Sam Nariman, one the last of the legends of the Bar, passes away! The most fitting tribute the Bar can pay him is to commit itself to the standard of integrity and independence that FSN always measured up to!
— sanjoy ghose (@advsanjoy) February 21, 2024
R.I.P pic.twitter.com/XqSWOqDniC
Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy noted that the Constitution had lost one of its greatest defenders with Nariman's passing.
Mr. Fali Nariman veteran Senior Advocate, master practitioner of the craft of litigation, conscience-keeper of the bar, fearless and witty has passed away. The Constitution has lost of one of her greatest defenders. We at the bar have lost our leader. #falinariman
— Menaka Guruswamy (@MenakaGuruswamy) February 21, 2024
World Bank lawyer Vikram Raghavan praised Nariman's legal acumen and wit, stating that he illuminated every courtroom, column, and conversation with his intellect.
Fali Sam Nariman. Truly, the end of an era. He had a maestro’s talent for the law and letters. His sparkling intellect and unmatched wit illuminated every courtroom, column, and conversation. A monumental legacy left by a life richly lived. I hope he's sharing a celestial chuckle… pic.twitter.com/MqJmHoSPlo
— Vikram Raghavan (@vikramraghavan) February 21, 2024
Fali S. Nariman was known for arguing several landmark cases, including the NJAC verdict and the SC AoR Association case. He resigned as the Additional Solicitor General of India in June 1975 to protest against the declaration of emergency by the Indira Gandhi government.
A strong advocate of civil liberties and secularism, Nariman's opinions on judicial developments carried significant weight. His autobiography "Before Memory Fades" is a source of inspiration for law students and young lawyers.
Nariman was honoured with the Padma Bhushan (1991) and Padma Vibhushan (2007) by the Government of India. He served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from 1999 to 2005.
Source : Live Law
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cut short her speech at a rally in her Bhabanipur constituency, alleging that the BJP was deliberately playing loud music from a nearby public meeting.
A peeved Banerjee said despite having the required permission of the Election Commission, her rally in Chakraberia was disrupted by the BJP, "who want to capture Bengal by intimidation and threat".
"It is not possible for me to go ahead with this meeting. If they can do such a thing in my constituency, imagine how undemocratic the BJP is. If they behave like this, I have to take legal action," she said.
"This is an insult, humiliation. BJP is stepping on our toes to instigate trouble. Not possible to address the gathering in this situation. I am leaving the stage. Please vote for me in your protest," she added.
Banerjee was then seen calling someone over and venting her grievances.
Before leaving the stage, she said, "I will hold a rally tomorrow at the same spot."
TMC supporters then rushed towards the BJP rally, which was later addressed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, but security personnel intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.
TMC workers later staged a demonstration outside the local police station and filed a complaint, alleging that the BJP violated the model code of conduct.
A senior TMC leader said another complaint will also be lodged with the Election Commission.
Asked about Banerjee's allegations, Adhikari told reporters after the rally he held nearby, "Her reaction shows she is nervous about the imminent loss."
"There was no violence, no obstruction in her meeting and her behaviour shows her nervousness. On May 4, people of Bhabanipur will celebrate the victory of the BJP," he claimed, alleging that the TMC also tried to disrupt his meeting by playing loud music.
South Kolkata's Bhabanipur, one of the battleground seats in the West Bengal elections, will vote in the second phase on April 29.
