Iqbal Chagla, one of the most illustrious figures of the Indian legal fraternity left for heavenly abode on January 12, 2025 at the age of 85. As per reports, he had been unwell for some time.
He will be remembered for voicing concerns regarding corruption while he was at the Bombay High Court, where he called for the resignations of sitting judges.
Chagla started his practice in the 60s and was active primarily before the Bombay High Court. He was president of the Bombay Bar Association for three consecutive terms from 1990 till 1999, and had also served as a member of the executive committee of the Bar Association of India and a member of the National Legal Services Authority, Delhi. He was a Senior Advocate (the Indian equivalent of a QC) when he was just 39.
He had appeared in international arbitrations and advised on proceedings in foreign courts. He had given expert evidence on Indian law in the Southern District Court of New York Isle of Man Court, along with attending and participating in various law conferences. Mr Chagla also appeared in international arbitrations and advised on proceedings in foreign courts. He also turned down the opportunity to be promoted to the Supreme Court of India directly from the bar.
Chagla, also known by his pet name “Mickey”, joined the Bar at the Bombay High Court as the son of a legend, Chief Justice M C Chagla. He was an alumnus of Cambridge University, UK, and was also called to the Bar from Gray’s Inn in London.
He will always be remembered for his forthright attitude of ‘calling a spade a spade’ and always protecting the ‘independence’ of the judiciary. He also was one of the most vocal advocates.
In 2012, Chagla was conferred an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws by Berhampur University in Odisha “for attaining eminence in public affairs”. He was a trustee of the Chief Justice Chagla Memorial Trust, the H M Seervai Memorial Trust and the Mehli Mehta Music Foundation.
He served as a role model for countless legal professionals. His work epitomised human rights and protection of the rule of law. Chagla championed erudition and ethics in legal practice till his last breath. He was a living example of integrity and secular spirit, at a time when our judiciary is under radar.
Igbal Chagla had a major role in representing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in various leading cases, particularly in matters relating to governance issues within the board. He had a great involvement in resolving the issues and had great expertise with both corporate and sports law.
He represented the interests of the Tata Group in a legal dispute with Cyrus Mistry.
He was a prominent figure in constitutional challenge to the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) which dealt with the way judges were appointed to the Supreme Court and High Courts. He argued in favour of the independence of the judiciary.
He also appeared in the Bombay Municipal Corporation vs. Wockhardt Ltd. case where Chagla represented the case in matters involving the Bombay Municipal Corporation. He was working to ensure the protection of corporate rights and for welfare of public policy.
Chagla was not only a brilliant lawyer but also a mentor for young lawyers. His advocacy was not confined to the courtroom but he also worked to bring progress in society and to shape the legal system for the well -being of society and individuals.
