Soli Jehangir Sorabjee, one of India’s most distinguished and revered legal luminaries, was a man who defined the essence of constitutional law and human rights in the country. Born on March 9, 1930, in Mumbai, Sorabjee’s journey through the corridors of law is a testimony to his extraordinary intellect, moral clarity, and unwavering commitment to justice.

Sorabjee’s academic journey began at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, and later continued at Government Law College, where he was awarded the Kinloch Forbes Gold Medal in Roman Law and Jurisprudence. From an early age, Sorabjee displayed a sharp legal mind, with an aptitude for dissecting complex legal problems and simplifying them with elegance. His entry into the legal profession was marked by humility, but his rise through its ranks would be anything but ordinary. In 1953, he was admitted to the bar and began practicing at the Bombay High Court. His diligence, sincerity, and commitment quickly earned him the respect of his peers and the attention of the legal community.

The bedrock of Sorabjee’s career was his unflinching belief in the principles of justice, liberty, and equality, which were enshrined in the Constitution of India. His deep respect for constitutional democracy was evident in the cases he chose to represent and the causes he fought for. In a country grappling with post-Independence growing pains and complex legal challenges, Sorabjee emerged as a beacon of constitutional values. His legal philosophy was shaped by his belief that the rule of law was sacrosanct and that it was the responsibility of the judiciary to uphold the rights and freedoms of individuals, especially in times of political and social turmoil.

One of the key highlights of Sorabjee’s career came in 1971 when he was designated as a senior advocate by the Bombay High Court. This honor was bestowed upon him in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the legal field. However, his career took a momentous turn in 1977 when he was appointed Solicitor General of India. Sorabjee’s appointment came at a crucial time in India’s history. The country had just emerged from the dark days of the Emergency (1975–1977), and the legal fraternity was still reeling from the constitutional subversion witnessed during that period. Sorabjee, with his deep-seated belief in individual liberties, was a natural choice for the role. His contributions during this time were instrumental in restoring faith in the judiciary and in upholding the sanctity of the Constitution.

Perhaps one of the most significant chapters in Sorabjee’s career was his role in defending free speech and expression. He was a staunch advocate of the right to freedom of speech and believed that it was a cornerstone of democracy. This belief was evident in his representation of The Indian Express newspaper in the 1980s. During a time when the government was cracking down on dissent and the freedom of the press, Sorabjee stood firm in his defense of the newspaper’s right to free expression. His arguments were not only legally sound but also infused with moral conviction, emphasizing that a democracy cannot flourish if its citizens are silenced.

In 1989, Sorabjee was appointed Attorney General of India, a position he held with distinction. His tenure as Attorney General was marked by his balanced approach to the law. While he represented the government of the day, he never compromised on his core belief that justice must prevail over political expediency. This rare quality of balancing his duties as the chief legal advisor to the government while upholding constitutional morality earned him respect across the political spectrum.

Throughout his illustrious career, Sorabjee argued several landmark cases before the Supreme Court of India. One of the most notable cases was his defense of the fundamental right to privacy in the landmark Kharak Singh case. His arguments laid the foundation for the recognition of the right to privacy as an intrinsic part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. Decades later, in 2017, when the Supreme Court delivered its historic judgment recognizing privacy as a fundamental right, it was Sorabjee’s arguments from years ago that resonated within the court’s reasoning.

Sorabjee’s commitment to human rights extended beyond the borders of India. He was appointed as a Special Rapporteur to the United Nations Human Rights Commission in 1997. In this role, he was tasked with investigating and reporting on human rights violations in various parts of the world. His contributions to the cause of human rights were recognized internationally, and in 2002, he was awarded the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor. The award was a fitting recognition of his lifelong dedication to upholding human dignity and justice.

Despite his many accolades and high-profile cases, Sorabjee remained deeply humble and accessible. He was known for his kindness and generosity, especially towards young lawyers. Many of today’s leading legal minds have credited Sorabjee with shaping their careers through his mentorship and guidance. His chambers were a hub of intellectual activity, where young advocates would gather to discuss legal principles and the intricacies of constitutional law.

Sorabjee’s eloquence, both in the courtroom and outside it, was legendary. He had a way with words that could sway even the most skeptical of judges. His arguments were always meticulously researched, and his deep understanding of legal precedents was evident in every case he handled. Yet, it was not just his legal acumen that set him apart; it was his integrity and sense of justice that truly defined him.

Soli Sorabjee passed away on April 30, 2021, leaving behind an indelible legacy. His life and career stand as a testament to the power of law as a force for good. He believed in the transformative power of the Constitution and dedicated his life to ensuring that its values were upheld, both in letter and spirit. Sorabjee’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of lawyers and judges to come, reminding them that the law is not just a profession but a noble calling aimed at upholding justice and protecting the rights of the vulnerable.