Fali S Nariman Biography – Early Life, Age, Education, Career, Family, Quotes, and Death

Who Was Fali S Nariman

Fali Sam Nariman, born on January 10, 1929, and passing away on February 21, 2024, was a distinguished figure in Indian legal circles. Beginning in 1971, he served as a senior advocate to the Supreme Court of India, a role he held until 2010, during which he also held the esteemed position of President of the Bar Association of India. Renowned for his expertise in international arbitration, Nariman garnered international recognition for his contributions to jurisprudence.

In 2018, Nariman was bestowed with the 19th Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in Public Administration, a testament to his outstanding service. He was widely regarded as one of India’s foremost constitutional lawyers, having argued numerous pivotal cases throughout his career. Additionally, he served as the Additional Solicitor General of India from May 1972 to June 1975.

Nariman’s accolades included the Padma Bhushan in 1991, the Padma Vibhushan in 2007, and the Gruber Prize for Justice in 2002. Furthermore, he served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the Parliament of India, from 1999 to 2005.

Early Life & Education

Fali Sam Nariman was born in Rangoon in 1929 to Parsi parents, Sam Bariyamji Nariman and Banoo Nariman. He received his schooling at the Bishop Cotton School in Shimla. Later, he pursued his undergraduate studies in Economics and History at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. Subsequently, he earned his law degree (LL.B.) from the Government Law College, Mumbai in 1950, where he excelled, standing first in the Examination. His outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Kinlock Forbes Gold Medal and Prize for Roman Law & Jurisprudence.

Initially, Nariman’s father aspired for him to take the Indian Civil Service Examination. However, due to financial constraints, Nariman opted for law as his final choice.

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Career Highlights of Fali Sam Nariman

• Fali Sam Nariman commenced his legal career at the Bombay High Court.
  After practicing law for 22 years, he was designated as a Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court of India in 1971.
• Nariman acknowledged the significant influence of his mentor, Jamsetjee Kanga, whom he considered a father figure. Kanga’s continuous pursuit of learning deeply impacted Nariman’s approach to his legal practice.
• He played a pivotal role in shaping Indian constitutional law and served as the Additional Solicitor General of India from May 1972 to June 25, 1975, resigning from the post during the Declaration of Emergency on June 26, 1975.
• Nariman represented Union Carbide in the Bhopal gas disaster case, later expressing regret for his involvement. He facilitated a settlement between the victims and the company outside of court, resulting in compensation totaling $470 million for the victims.
• Notable cases Nariman argued in include the Supreme Court AoR Association case, where the Supreme Court took over the appointment of judges in the Higher Judiciary, and cases such as Golak Nath, S.P. Gupta, and T.M.A. Pai Foundation.
• He received the Padma Vibhushan in 2007 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991, prestigious civilian honors in India, recognizing his contributions to jurisprudence and public affairs. Additionally, he was awarded the Gruber Prize for Justice in 2002, dedicating these accolades to his alma mater, Bishop Cotton School in Shimla.
• Nariman served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1999 to 2005 and held various significant positions in international legal organizations such as President of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration and Vice-Chairman of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce.
• He represented the Gujarat Government in the Narmada rehabilitation matter but resigned following attacks on Christians in the area and the burning of copies of the Bible.
• Nariman was part of the Committee on Judicial Accountability, advocating for a transparent process in judicial appointments, as evidenced by his involvement in the controversy surrounding the appointments of justices C. K. Prasad and P. D. Dinakaran.
• In 2014, he represented former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu J. Jayalalitha in securing bail, overturning a previous rejection.

Personal Life and Death

• Fali Sam Nariman was married to Bapsi F. Nariman in 1955. The couple resided in New Delhi and had two children, a son, and a daughter.
• His son, Rohinton Nariman, served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India and also held the position of Solicitor General of India from 2011 to 2013.
• The prestigious Vis Moot East’s Fali Nariman Award for ‘Best Respondent’s Memorandum’ is named in honor of Nariman’s contributions.
• Fali Sam Nariman passed away on February 21, 2024, at the age of 95.

Bapsi Contractor & Another Turning Point in Fali S. Nariman’s Life

In his autobiography, Fali S. Nariman dedicates a chapter to the significant moments that shaped his life, with one pivotal event being his marriage to Bapsi Contractor. Nariman’s conversational prowess, evident in his writings, mirrors his ability to engage readers effortlessly.

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Recalling the wedding invitation extended to Sir Jamshedji Tata, Nariman vividly recounts the conversation in which Jamshedji inquired about his bride-to-be and then proceeded to narrate the rich history of the Contractors. It was revealed that Bapsi’s paternal grandfather was the mastermind behind iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal Hotel and the Gateway of India in Bombay. As Nariman reminisces, he humorously remarks on his enduring marriage, celebrating their golden anniversary with Bapsi.

Bapsi Contractor, renowned for her culinary expertise, left a lasting legacy through her cookbooks, notably including titles like “A Gourmet’s Handbook of Parsi Cuisine,” “Traditional Parsi Dishes,” “Cooking with Yogurt,” and “Microwave Cooking for Indian Palate.” Her passing in 2020, at the age of 89, marked the end of an era, leaving behind a treasure trove of culinary wisdom and fond memories for those who knew her.

Fali S Nariman’s death cause

Fali S. Nariman, a distinguished jurist and senior Supreme Court lawyer, has passed away at the age of 95. He had been battling various health issues, including cardiac ailments. The former Additional Solicitor General of India breathed his last at his residence around 1 am on [21/02/2024].

Fali Sam Nariman Son- Rohinton Fali Nariman

Rohinton Nariman, the son of Fali Sam Nariman, served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India. Additionally, he held the esteemed position of Solicitor General of India from 2011 to 2013.
The prestigious Vis Moot East’s Fali Nariman Award for ‘Best Respondent’s Memorandum’ is named in recognition of Nariman’s contributions.
Fali Sam Nariman passed away on February 21, 2024, at the age of 95.

Fali S Nariman Religion

Justice Nariman was ordained as a Parsi priest at the age of 12, demonstrating his early commitment to his faith. In 2016, he further showcased his deep connection to contemporary Zoroastrianism by publishing a book on the subject. Beyond his faith, Justice Nariman’s theological curiosity extends to other religions. He has openly acknowledged that his study of comparative religion has significantly influenced his perspective as both a lawyer and a judge, shaping his understanding and approach to the law. historyclasse

Which type of lawyer is Fali Sam Nariman?

Fali Sam Nariman, born on January 10, 1929, is recognized as an eminent Indian jurist. He has served as a senior advocate to the Supreme Court of India since 1971 and held the prestigious position of President of the Bar Association of India from 1991 to 2010. With extensive expertise in international arbitration, Nariman is acknowledged internationally for his contributions to jurisprudence.

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Books by Fali S. Nariman

• Before Memory Fades: An Autobiography
• The State of The Nation
• India’s Legal System: Can it be Saved?
• HARMONY AMIDST DISHARMONY: (THE ARBITRATION SERIES – VOLUME 1)
• The State of the Nation: In Context of India’s Constitution
• You Must Know Your Constitution
• HARMONY AMIDST DISHARMONY: (THE ARBITRATION SERIES – VOLUME 2)
• The Constitution of India
• A Heritage of Judging: The Bombay High Court through one hundred and fifty years
• Commentary on the Arbitration and Conciliation Act

Notable Quotes by Fali S. Nariman: