Igbal M. Chagla, a distinguished legal luminary and fierce advocate against judicial corruption, passed away at the age of 89. Revered as one of India’s foremost lawyers, Chagla’s exceptional legal acumen was evident during his tenure as the President of the Bombay Bar Association in the 1990s, where he played a pivotal role in advocating for judicial integrity and transparency.
Chagla was instrumental in several landmark cases that significantly shaped Indian jurisprudence and impacted the lives of countless citizens. Among his most notable cases was his role in the Harshad Mehta securities scam, where he represented various stakeholders, ensuring accountability and reforms in the financial sector. He also played a crucial part in the Kesavananda Bharati case, which established the basic structure doctrine, safeguarding the Constitution from arbitrary amendments. Another significant case was the Rafique Zakaria vs. State of Maharashtra, where Chagla’s arguments underscored the importance of civil liberties and freedom of expression.
Born in 1939, Chagla was the son of M. C. Chagla, the first permanent Indian Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court from 1948 to 1958. His legacy of judicial excellence is carried forward by his son, Riyaz Chagla, currently a sitting judge at the Bombay High Court.
At the young age of 39, Igbal M. Chagla was designated as a senior advocate. Despite being offered a judgeship at least three times, he declined, choosing instead to continue his impactful work as a legal practitioner. His refusal was a testament to his dedication to advocacy, even though he was a likely candidate for the position of Chief Justice of India.
Chagla’s enduring legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to justice and his relentless pursuit of upholding the sanctity of the legal system, making a lasting impact on Indian law and society.
