Mumbai: Justice B R Gavai of the Supreme Court, who is set to be the next Chief Justice of India, on Friday lauded legal legend Fali S Nariman. “By resigning from his position in protest against the Emergency, which he believed was unjust and stripped citizens of their fundamental rights, Nariman upheld the values of the Constitution and embodied its true spirit,” said Justice Gavai while delivering the Fali Nariman Memorial Lecture on his role in shaping Constitutional Jurisprudence.
Justice Gavai recalled Nariman’s vast contribution at the event held at the Bombay High Court lawns, organised by the Bombay Bar Association and the Advocates Association of Western India (AAWI). He said, “Through his extraordinary career” Nariman exemplified the highest ideals. In a message for young lawyers, Justice Gavai said Nariman’s life serves as an enduring source of inspiration. “Listening to the stories and studying the arguments of such distinguished counsel not only deepens our appreciation of the profession but also underscores the critical role of lawyers in upholding constitutional values and driving social change.”
Quoting Nariman himself, Justice Gavai said, “We [lawyers] discredit ourselves and our profession when we curry favour with those in authority and power, and do not stand up and defend the rights of citizens.”
