Rohinton Fali Nariman

Rohinton Nariman's path to the Supreme Court was paved with intellectual rigor and a deep connection to the law, being the son of another distinguished jurist, Fali Nariman. After studying law at Harvard, he carved a formidable reputation as a senior advocate, known for his meticulous preparation and commanding courtroom presence. His appointment as Solicitor General was a natural step, but his true legacy was forged during his tenure on the Supreme Court bench. Justice Nariman's judgments were not merely legal pronouncements; they were erudite essays that often wove history, comparative law, and constitutional morality into their reasoning. He was a steadfast guardian of civil liberties, authoring the unanimous judgment that declared privacy a fundamental right, a decision with profound implications for digital India. His court also delivered the historic verdict decriminalizing homosexuality, reading down a colonial-era law. With a reputation for intellectual independence and a low tolerance for obscurantism, Nariman retired leaving a body of work that will define Indian constitutional interpretation for generations.