New Delhi (NVI): Former Attorney General of India and renowned jurist Soli Sorabjee died of Covid-19 at a private hospital in New Delhi today. He was 91.
Serving as a legal professional for nearly seven decades, Sorabjee occupied the highest office of the attorney general of India twice — first from 1989-90 and then from 1998-2004.
Soli started his career in 1953 at the Bombay High Court. He was famously assisting Nani Palkhivala, another Parsi courtroom genius in the landmark Keshavananda Bharati case who argued against the government.
In 1971, Soli was designated a senior advocate. In 2002, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honour in the country.
Sorabjee is survived by his wife Zena Sorabjee and three children.
His daughter Zia Mody, who is the only one to take up the legal profession among his three children, is the founding partner of AZB & Partners — one of India’s leading corporate law firms.
Expressing greif over the death of Soli, President Ram Nath Kovind said, “In passing of Soli Sorabji, we lost an icon of India’s legal system. He was among select few who deeply influenced evolution of constitutional law & justice system. Awarded with Padma Vibhushan, he was among most eminent jurists. Condolences to his family & associates.”
Meanwihle Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Soli Sorabjee was an outstanding lawyer and intellectual.
“Through law, he was at the forefront of helping the poor and downtrodden. He will be remembered for his noteworthy tenures India’s Attorney General. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers,” Modi tweeted.
–PRT
