Fali S. Nariman
Fali Sam Nariman (January 10, 1929 – February 21, 2024) was an eminent Indian constitutional lawyer and legal luminary. He was one of the most distinguished lawyers in India's post-independence history.
| Fali S. Nariman | |
|---|---|
| |
| Birth Name | Fali Sam Nariman |
| Born | January 10, 1929 |
| Origin | Rangoon, British Burma |
| Education | LL.B (Government Law College, Mumbai) |
| Bar Membership | Bar Council of India |
| Firm | Independent Practice |
| Specialization | Constitutional Law, Arbitration |
| Years Active | 1950–2024 |
| Notable Cases | Kesavananda Bharati, Bhopal Gas Tragedy, SC/ST Reservation |
Early Life and Education
Born in Rangoon, Burma (now Myanmar) to a Parsi family, Nariman moved to India during World War II. He obtained his law degree from Government Law College, Mumbai, and was called to the bar in 1950.
Legal Career
Early Practice
Nariman began his practice at the Bombay High Court and later moved to the Supreme Court of India. He was designated as Senior Advocate in 1961.
Additional Solicitor General
He served as Additional Solicitor General of India from 1972 to 1975 but resigned during the Emergency period (1975-77), refusing to defend certain government actions.
Constitutional Cases
Nariman was involved in several landmark constitutional cases that shaped Indian jurisprudence.
Notable Cases
| Case | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala | 1973 | Basic Structure doctrine |
| Bhopal Gas Tragedy | 1989 | Victims' compensation |
| Mandal Commission Case | 1992 | Reservation policies |
| Vodafone Tax Case | 2012 | Retrospective taxation |
Contributions
- Authored several books on law and jurisprudence
- Member of the Rajya Sabha (1999-2005)
- International arbitrator for numerous cases
- Founding President of the Bar Association of India
Publications
- Before Memory Fades (autobiography, 2010)
- The State of the Nation (2013)
- India's Legal System: Can It Be Saved? (2006)
Awards and Recognition
- Padma Vibhushan (2007)
- Padma Bhushan (1991)
- Gruber Prize for Justice (2002)
- Living Legend of Law Award
Legal Philosophy
Nariman was known for:
- Strong advocacy for judicial independence
- Defense of fundamental rights
- Critique of judicial delay
- Support for legal reforms