nEminent jurist and former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee, who appeared in several landmark Supreme Court cases like Kesavananda Bharti and SR Bommai, succumbed to Covid-19 at hospital on Friday.
Sorabjee, 90, contributed immensely to the evolution of the Constitutional laws and enriched the principles of freedom of speech and human rights through his robust arguments in relevant cases before the apex court. He is survived by wife, a daughter and two sons.
Sorabjee was a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan and a renowned human rights lawyer. He had also served as the Attorney General of India from 1989-90 and then from 1998-2004 during the tenure of VP Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee respectively.
The President, the VP and the PM condoled the demise of the eminent jurist.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as an outstanding lawyer who was at the forefront of helping the poor and downtrodden through law.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana also condoled the demise of Sorabjee.
“I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Shri Soli Jehangir Sorabjee, former Attorney General of India. In his nearly 68-year-long association with the judicial world, he made immeasurable contribution in enriching the global jurisprudence of Human Rights and Fundamental Right,” he said.
“Shri Soli J Sorabjee served the office of Attorney General of India twice with great distinction. His humane and compassionate approach defined his legal work. His body of work, spread over nearly seven decades, in defending the fundamental rights and human rights is of international repute. He will be remembered as a legend who added strength to the pillars of democracy. I pay my deep respect to the departed soul. Condolences to the family, friends and fans,” the CJI said in his condolence message.