Senior advocate Iqbal Chagla, 86, passed away on Sunday afternoon after a period of ill health. The son of Mahommedali Currim Chagla, the first Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court of independent India, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the legal fraternity.
Chagla, father of sitting Bombay High Court judge, Justice Riyaz Chagla, served as the president of the Bombay Bar Association (BBA) three times.
Born in 1939, he earned an MA in History and Law from Cambridge University before beginning his practice at the Bombay High Court. He trained under the renowned Kharshedji Hormasji Bhabha and was designated a Senior Advocate in 1979. Between 1990 and 1999, he served as the BBA president and held other prominent roles, including as a Member of the Executive Committee of the Bar Association of India and the National Legal Services Authority (NLSA).
Despite being offered a judgeship thrice — twice by the Bombay High Court and once by the Supreme Court — Chagla declined, potentially forfeiting an opportunity to become the Chief Justice of India.
During his tenure as BBA president, Chagla played a pivotal role in calling for the resignation of four Bombay HC judges over allegations of impropriety. The BBA passed a resolution under his leadership, resulting in some judges resigning and others being transferred.
Chagla was highly regarded for his expertise in civil litigation, company law, and international arbitration. Known for his integrity and gentle demeanor, he was a sought-after counsel who often argued complex and high-profile cases.
BBA president Nitin Thakker described Chagla as a stalwart of the legal fraternity and a champion of human rights. “He has been an inspiration for so many young lawyers due to his court demeanor, his fairness and his integrity. He has been a champion of defending human rights and a fierce fighter for upholding rule of law. Above all he was a gentleman and a great human being. Bombay Bar Association has lost a stalwart and his loss is immense.”
Former BBA president Rajiv Chavan lauded Chagla’s legal brilliance and sportsmanship. “He was an outstanding lawyer, humane, and a cricket enthusiast. His loss will be deeply felt in the legal community and beyond. Despite his perfectionism, he was always kind and approachable.” Reminiscing how, Chagla had been kind to him, Chavan said the late senior advocate guided and inspired everyone to achieve greater things.
The BBA issued a statement mourning Chagla’s demise: “Mr. I.M. Chagla’s contributions to the legal field are immeasurable. His dedication, integrity, and excellence have inspired generations of legal professionals. We extend our condolences to his family in this difficult time.”
Chagla’s funeral will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Worli Crematorium in Mumbai.
Notable Cases
Chagla represented Nestlé India during the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) ban on Maggi noodles, successfully arguing for the export of the product despite the ban in the Indian market.
He also handled the high-profile legal dispute between corporate lawyers Cyril and Shardul Shroff over their mother’s will, leading to the amicable division of their firm, Amarchand Mangaldas, into two entities.
In 2004, he represented Dr. Anahita Pandole in a pioneering Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against illegal hoardings in Mumbai.
After the 26/11 terror attacks, Chagla, representing the Society of Indian Law Firms, filed a PIL seeking the establishment of a Citizens Coordination Committee to monitor and advise on safety measures in Mumbai.
A towering figure in Indian law, Iqbal Chagla will be remembered for his legal acumen, unwavering integrity, and his dedication to upholding the rule of law.