On January 27, 2024, I had the privilege of sharing an exclusive conversation with India’s legendary legal figure, the remarkable 95-year-young Fali Nariman. The aim was to uncover lesser-known aspects of his life beyond his well-documented legal career. Known not just for his courtroom brilliance but also for his warmth, humor, and humanity, Mr. Nariman captivated us with stories from his past. Under the cool Delhi morning air, with the aroma of coffee and lemon tart lingering, moments of laughter filled the room as his vivid recollections took us back in time.

One of the most dramatic chapters of Nariman’s life was his escape from Burma during the Japanese invasion. At just 12 years old, he faced the horrors of war when Rangoon was bombed, forcing his family to flee. What began as a short stay in Mandalay turned into a 21-day journey to India, marked by travel in bullock carts, country boats, and doolies (portable stretchers). Along treacherous mountain paths, the family narrowly escaped being trampled by a runaway elephant—a memory that left an indelible mark on young Nariman. The nights spent under the stars in a convoy of bullock carts became symbols of the anxiety and resilience that defined their journey.

Shifting to his college days, Nariman recalls his time at St. Xavier’s College in Bombay, filled with memories of inspiring Jesuit teachers. Among them were Father Duhr, whose booming voice commanded attention in history class, and Father Heras, who resembled a Himalayan rishi and deciphered the script of Mohenjo-daro. Humorous moments, such as the time a classmate leaped out a window during an English lecture to prank the unsuspecting professor, bring to life the lightheartedness that balanced Nariman’s rigorous academic journey. His stories from the past not only entertain but also serve as a testament to the experiences that shaped a future legal luminary.

Choosing a career in one’s teens or early twenties is never easy, and for Mr. Nariman, the decision was no different. He initially aimed to join the Indian Civil Service (ICS), a prestigious career where officers excelled in fields like politics and economics and often rose to high government positions. However, financial constraints meant he couldn’t pursue this path, as the costs of traveling to England for the exam were beyond the family’s means. His father, a manager at New India Assurance Company in Rangoon, earned a substantial salary, but it wasn’t enough for such an expensive undertaking. Thus, law became his only viable option.

Nariman found his time at Government Law College, Bombay (1948-1949), to be immensely fulfilling, largely due to three part-time lecturers—Yashwant V. Chandrachud, Nani Palkhivala, and Jal Vimadalal—who would go on to become legends at the Bombay Bar. He fondly recalled the memorable and humorous anecdotes from his early days as a lawyer, such as a translator in court telling a witness to “speak lies only if necessary” after a judge ordered him to “tell the truth.” These stories not only entertained but also served as a reminder of the vibrant legal culture that shaped his career.

Fali Nariman’s life is a testament to resilience, dedication, and a commitment to lifelong learning. He embraced law with passion and perseverance, drawing strength from his mentors’ wisdom. His journey not only made him a legal luminary but also embodied values of integrity and truth, inspiring generations to pursue their passion with the same enduring spirit.

Freny Daruwalla wrote this article in collaboration with ParZor.

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