Fali Nariman's Voice Represented Nation's Conscience : CJI DY Chandrachud Pays Homage

The Supreme Court on Thursday (April 4) in an event of profound significance, convened a Full Court Reference in the memory of late jurist and senior advocate Mr Fali Sam Nariman who passed away on February 21 . The Chief Justice, Dr DY Chandrachud delivered a heartfelt homage to Mr Nariman, spotlighting the unparalleled virtues he embodied throughout his illustrious career. 

Considered the 'Bhishmapitama' of the legal fraternity, Mr Nariman's tallness would be impossible to forget. The CJI expressed how Mr Nariman's greatness illuminated the capabilities of the legal profession.

The CJI shared reflections on Mr. Nariman's remarkable persona and his contributions, underscoring his unwavering moral principles, invincible bravery, and absolute dedication to his values. These attributes, as pointed out by the CJI, not only contribute significantly to the realm of law but also offered comfort and guidance to the entire nation. 

The universe of infinity or the infinity of the universe , whichever way we perceive it, defies prose and verse. The values which Mr FS Nariman embodied, unflinching ethics, indomitable courage and unwavering pursuit of principle provide the balm to the soul, not just to the professions, but to our nation.  

Taking inspiration from Homer's legendary epic "Illiad," the Chief Justice made comparisons to the cyclical nature of existence and the perpetual impact of individuals like Mr. Nariman, whose influence transcends their earthly lives.

In the Illiad, Homer compares people to the leaves noting that in the winter they are blown to the earth, and as the spring comes again, the budding wood grows once more, causing Homer to stay and so with men, one generation grows and the other dies away. But some names remain. 

Mr. Nariman was born on January 10, 1929, in the country known today as Myanmar but was known as Burma at the time. His formative years were characterized by considerable turmoil, including his family's forced relocation to India due to the Japanese incursion during World War II. In spite of these adversities, he demonstrated an exceptional level of persistence, a quality that would come to characterize both his professional path and personal journey. 

A Journey of Academic and Professional Excellence

Throughout Mr. Nariman's scholarly path, he achieved with several honours, reaching a pinnacle with his unparalleled achievement in the Bar Council's Advocate Exam, where he secured the top position. His upbringing in India was marked by overcoming formidable obstacles, as his schooling at both Bishop Cotton School in Shimla and St. Xavier's College in Mumbai established the cornerstone for his later triumphs. At the Government Law College, Mr Nariman bagged the Kinlock Forbes Gold Medal in Roman Law & Jurisprudence, thus showing early signs of the jurist in the making.

Guided by the expertise of legal giants like Mr. Nanipalkiwala and the former Chief Justice of India, YV Chandrachrud, Mr. Nariman's prowess in the law has blossomed. 

A Beacon Of Brotherhood In The Legal Profession

Underlining Mr Nariman's commitment to integrity and excellence in the legal field, the CJI recounted from the Jurist's renowned book 'Before Memory Fades', where Mr Nariman stressed the significance of establishing oneself through integrity and ability within the legal community.

The CJI expressed the significant influence that Mr. Nariman has on the legal community at the Supreme Court, emphasizing how his honesty, expertise, and friendliness were winning over the hearts and commitment of the bar's members. 

As Nariman says in his book 'Before Memory Fades' said that a foreigner in Delhi has to establish himself with integrity and ability only then will the SC Bar accept them as one of their own. But once they do so its members are the most affectionate and loyal comrades. Our Bar would submit a decree on admission that Mr Nariman passed this test with flying colors. 

The rare quality of balancing greatness while staying down to earth was embedded in Mr Nariman. The CJI lauded his constant endeavour to seek growth, especially at an age where people let their achievements overtake their conscience. 

"Despite scaling these incredible heights, Nariman always maintained that greatness and modesty go hand in hand. He was a man truly in the mould of his mentor Sir Jamshedji Kanga, who famously at the age of 92 still insisted 'I am still learning'. " 

Nariman As The Voice Of Courage & Hope For Generations To Come 

Recalling his recent opinion piece in The Indian Express, Mr Nariman wrote that a Futuristic Court is not just technology-enabled but also that which is independent,  CJI highlighted how Mr Nariman's constant dialogue on the issues of judicial independence, and gaining of public confidence aided in the vocalisation of the gap between the people and access to justice.

Being a mentor to many amongst the bar and the bench, the CJI expressed how Mr Nariman dedicated his life to the purpose of rule of law and principles of fairness. Recalling an incident which the Jurist narrated to the CJI during the emergency, the CJI lauded how Mr Nariman stood unfazed and legally passionate in the face of political perils 

"He narrated a story involving a conversation between two distinguished lawyers in our Bar library during an emergency,one was drawing puffs on his spike, the first of the two lawyer said to the other 'Tame bolo -you speak' The other said 'Tame bolo'. When many voices felt silent during difficult times, Nariman's resounding baritone resonated in the walls of the Court and beyond. His voice represented the conscience of the nation."

The CJI also mentioned how even in the last phase of his life he actively contributed towards the endeavours of the Supreme Court and Supreme Court lawyers, be it by writing an essay on the 75th Anniversary of the Supreme Court or guiding senior advocates in the Constitution matters, or opinionating on the recent judgements of the Supreme Court,  Mr Nariman's imprint carries within the experiences of many individuals. 

"In the end, it is not Mr Nariman who gave on the battles, it was only his body. His souls will live in the many lives he touched and thousands more he inspired and the memories will always serve as a guiding light for those who pursued justice in these halls" 

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