Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 13: India’s renowned senior advocate and legal luminary Iqbal Chagla passed away in Mumbai on Sunday at the age of 85, following age-related health issues.

Sources revealed that his last rites will be performed on Monday at the Worli crematorium.

Iqbal Chagla, a towering figure in India’s legal fraternity, was the son of the legendary MC Chagla, the first permanent Indian chief justice of the Bombay High Court (1948-1958). A man of academic brilliance, Chagla completed his master’s in history and law at Cambridge University before returning to India to practice at the Bombay High Court.

He became a senior advocate at just 39 years of age and served as the president of the Bombay Bar Association from 1990 to 1999. During his tenure, he made a bold move against corruption within the judiciary, spearheading resolutions against six sitting judges, which resulted in some resignations.

Despite his monumental legal career, Chagla declined offers to become a judge in both the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court of India. Had he accepted, he was poised to become the chief justice of India.

Remembering his legacy, the Bombay Bar Association stated that Chagla’s contributions to the legal field were immeasurable and that his influence would endure for generations.

Senior advocate Rafique Dada paid tribute, saying, “Iqbal was one of the greatest figures in the legal profession. I have known him personally for over 50 years. He was an excellent advocate, a formidable opponent, and a wonderful human being. He was truly a role model.”

Iqbal Chagla will be remembered for his legal acumen, fearless integrity, and dedication to the judiciary. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian legal history.