Fali Nariman’s legacy transcends mere courtroom triumphs, embodying a dedication to mentoring and motivating fellow legal professionals
Achieving success is often viewed as a personal triumph, yet true greatness lies in serving others. Fali Nariman, one of India’s most accomplished lawyers, transcended the confines of his profession by assuming the mantle of guiding the legal fraternity through his example and various interventions.
To those who had the privilege of working with him, Nariman’s brilliance was palpable. His ability to swiftly grasp and dissect a legal brief, identifying the core issue while adding nuanced dimensions to it, was remarkable. His pursuit of perfection in mastering a brief was evident in every courtroom appearance, where he presented his arguments with understated confidence, catching opponents off guard and leaving judges with a sense of inevitability in his arguments. Regardless of the size or complexity of the case, Nariman’s touch of perfection was always evident.
Despite his decades-long tenure at the top of his profession, where time is a scarce commodity, Nariman’s social conscience remained equally conspicuous.
Whether it was his protest resignation from the post of Additional Solicitor General during the Emergency, despite the uncertain professional consequences, or his leading role in championing judicial independence in the two-judge cases, he never shied away from standing up for what he believed in.
As a true leader of the Bar, Nariman fearlessly pointed out flaws in the system. Whether it was acknowledging his misjudgment in the judge’s case or advocating for amendments to raise the retirement age of High Court Judges, his approach was non-confrontational, making his message more palatable and effective.
Nariman’s greatness was not only evident in his grand gestures but also in his small acts of encouragement and empathy towards younger lawyers. His praise for a job well done boosted the confidence of budding lawyers exponentially. In his autobiography, written with remarkable clarity and devoid of the typical legalese, he offered invaluable insights for navigating the legal profession, supplemented by lectures such as his master class on "Becoming a Lawyer" at the ILI in 2021.
One of his greatest contributions to the profession is his son, Justice Rohinton Nariman, whose legal acumen and scholarly approach serve as a beacon for aspiring lawyers.
Mahatma Gandhi famously said, "My life is my message." For every lawyer in India, Fali Nariman’s life serves as a testament to simplicity, fairness in fees (often charging less than his younger peers), and prioritising principles over professional gains. His legacy will forever be the gold standard for legal professionals striving for excellence with integrity.
(The author is a senior advocate practising in Delhi, views are personal)