Fali Nariman: Bright by name, brighter by deed
Published on: 24 February 2024, 12:28 pm
The country may have lost a colossal mountain in the legal landscape in the form of Fali Nariman, but the rivers that flow from it continue, feels Miriam Fozia Rahman.
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AS I begin to write about the eminent jurist Fali S. Nariman, allow me to express my admiration for this legal luminary. In our fledgling days within the legal profession, A.S. Chandhiok wisely advised us against idle moments spent sipping chai and munching samosas in the canteen.
Instead, he urged us to seek out opportunities to listen to seasoned practitioners such as Nariman. These moments were akin to discovering gold and missing them would be a regret echoing through the years.
“The universe is rarely lazy for a coincidence to occur, which is to say, two events are more often than not linked to each other and not random. In this case, the great Fali S. Nariman, the foremost legal luminary, possessed a name that directly means 'brightness'.
Dr Rajeev Dhavan's succinct tribute to Fali Nariman: "He was the greatest lawyer jurist of our time. Others abide our question; he is free." These words encapsulate the essence of Nariman's legal prowess and the freedom he embodied in his craft.
Indira Jaising eloquently observes that the recent demise of senior advocate Fali Nariman, on February 21, 2024, at the remarkable age of 95 years, signifies the departure of the pioneering generation of lawyers who commenced their practice after the Indian Constitution came into effect.
As I pen down my tribute to this remarkable figure, may the words flow effortlessly, resonating with the weight of honour and remembrance. These sentiments linger, a testament to the impact left by Fali Nariman's legacy as these are the words I sit with after receiving the news.