Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman, a high-profile Supreme Court judge who was involved in a number of historic decisions, retired today, with Chief Justice NV Ramana calling him a “lion of a judge” and the legal community applauding his legacy.
“I feel like I’m losing one of the judicial institution’s lions, someone known for his erudition, clarity, and intellectual work. His scholarship and intellect will be missed by this institution… He was a cornerstone of our robust legal system. He was always a strong advocate for what was right “In an emotional goodbye statement, the Chief Justice noted.
“I’m feeling a little frazzled. I’m having trouble putting my thoughts into words “Chief Justice Ramana admitted it. Justice Nariman sat in court no. 1 of the Supreme Court with the Chief Justice on his last working day, as is customary for retiring justices.
He called his seven years as a judge “gruelling,” saying he had to read a lot more and go through “piles of briefs.”
“However, I have liked writing judgments,” he said.
Justice Nariman agreed with advocate Vikas Singh that the Supreme Court should select more direct appointees like him.
The Supreme Court’s strength will be reduced to 25, with nine vacancies, after Justice Nariman’s retirement. There will be ten seats to fill as another judge retires later this month.
Due to a lack of consensus among members of the collegium that picks judges, no judges have been appointed to the Supreme Court in over two years. During his 18-month mandate, former Chief Justice SA Bobde was unable to designate any judges.
