BITS Law School, Mumbai And Surana & Surana International Attorneys Announce Fali Nariman Memorial Awards And Lectures

BITS Law School, Mumbai, in partnership Surana & Surana International Attorneys (SSIA) has announced the Fali Nariman Memorial Award and Lecture. This annual award and the lecture to be delivered at the award ceremony recognise the substantial contributions in legal practices, academia, public service, and related areas. The jury members are Justice Sanjay Gangapurwala (Retired Chief Justice, Madras High Court), Dr. Lalit Bhasin (Legal Expert and founder of Bhasin & Co.), Mr. Percival Billimoria (Senior Advocate), Mr. Naveen Raju (General Counsel and Executive Vice President at Mahindra & Mahindra), Dr. Aparna Chandra (Associate Professor at the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru). The award ceremony will be held on 9 November 2024 at the BITS Law School campus. The award will consist of a citation and a cash (DD) component of Rupees One Lakh.

Fali Sam Nariman (1929–2024) was one of India's most respected jurists, with a seven-decade legal career shaping constitutional law through landmark cases like Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, which established the Basic Structure Doctrine. A strong advocate for judicial independence, human rights, and the rule of law, Nariman was conferred the Padma Bhushan (1991) and Padma Vibhushan (2007). The Fali Nariman Memorial Lecture and Award ceremony honours his legacy by recognizing individuals embodying his values of integrity, resilience, rule of law, and justice, serving as a tribute to his lifelong service and mentorship in the legal profession.

The application for nominations is open till October 15, 2024. Eligible candidates must have a background in legal practice, academia - i.e. legal studies / research, judiciary, or related fields, and must demonstrate notable contributions aligned with the values of the award.

• Nominations invited for the 2024 awards and open until October 15, 2024
• Initiative honouring the legacy of one of the most respected Jurist of India, Fali Nariman and his role in shaping Indian Constitutional Law
• Award recognizes substantial contributions by Individuals in legal practice, judiciary, academia, public service

The selection will be based on the following criteria:

1. Awardees should have made substantial contributions in legal practice, academia public service, or related fields.

2. Their work must exemplify Mr. Fali Nariman's personality and principles, including unwavering integrity, independence, ethical standards, social responsibility, respect for Indian diversity, and the promotion of the rule of law and constitutional principles.

3. Recipients, who need to have an exemplary track record in the bar, bench or judiciary, or legal academia should ideally demonstrate a notable record of public service or community engagement.
4. Evidence of leadership qualities, such as the ability to inspire and influence others, lead initiatives or drive change within their field.

5. The recipient can be any Indian meeting the aforesaid criteria with no bar due to region, gender, religion, caste, creed, language or any other demographic characteristics.

6. Full details on the nomination and selection process are here – https://www.bitslawschool.edu.in/fali-nariman

“It is a privilege to introduce the Fali Nariman Memorial Lecture and Awards. This initiative serves to educate aspiring law students and professionals about the remarkable legacy and principles of the late Fali Nariman while honouring individuals who embody his unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law.”- said Prof (Dr.) Ashish Bharadwaj, Founding Dean of BITS Law School in Mumbai.

Dr. Vinod Surana, Managing Partner, Surana & Surana International Attorneys said, “We are glad to partner with BITS Law School, Mumbai and institute the prestigious Fali Nariman Award to commemorate and celebrate the legendary lawyer. Mr. Fali Nariman was closely associated with our law firm and was the patron of our Moot Court project for over 15 years. The Jury for this award comprises eminent members of the legal fraternity – bar, bench and academia. The awardee is one who embodies the principles, personality and legacy of the senior advocate and Padma Shree awardee, the late Mr. Fali Nariman.”