Tribute to Senior Advocate Iqbal Chagla (1939 – 2025)
Mumbai, January 12, 2025 – The Indian legal fraternity has lost one of its most respected voices with the passing of Renowned Senior Advocate Iqbal Chagla, who breathed his last on 12 January 2025 at the age of 85. He had been unwell for some time. His funeral was held the following day at Worli Crematorium, Mumbai, in the presence of his family members and several distinguished members of the Bar.

Mr. Chagla, who began his practice in the 1960s, primarily before the Bombay High Court, carved a reputation for legal brilliance coupled with an unwavering commitment to ethics. He served as President of the Bombay Bar Association for three consecutive terms (1990–1999), and held important positions such as Member of the Executive Committee of the Bar Association of India and Member of the National Legal Services Authority, Delhi.

A fearless crusader against irregular practices, Mr. Chagla earned respect across the profession for speaking out against corruption and impropriety. His bold calls for judicial accountability at the Bombay High Court, including demanding the resignation of sitting judges, reflected his uncompromising integrity. In a remarkable act of humility, he declined the rare opportunity to be elevated directly to the Supreme Court of India from the Bar, choosing instead to continue his independent practice.

Tributes have poured in from across the country. Advocate Ashish Goel, practising before the Supreme Court of India, remarked:
“My memory of Iqbal Chagla has been and continues to be of an all-rounded person. I was enchanted by his simplicity. He was a great advocate who could turn a case around with great ease. He was a guide to young lawyers and the legal profession is much poorer by his demise.”

Aditya Bapat, Advocate at the Bombay High Court and co-founder of the Bombay Bar Association Podcast, fondly recalled his brief but memorable interaction with him:
“I only met Mr. Chagla once, at his apartment, for taping (for the podcast). Sometime later, he had graced an event at the Bar and he passed me as he walked to the front. Then he turned, looked back, smiled at me and said ‘hello’. It made my day.”

Adding his heartfelt respects, Dr. Anthony Raju, Advocate Supreme Court and Chairman of the All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice, said:
“The passing of Senior Advocate Iqbal Chagla is an irreparable loss to the Indian legal fraternity. He was not only a towering figure at the Bar but also a beacon of integrity, courage, and humility. His uncompromising stand against corruption and his role as a mentor to generations of young lawyers will continue to inspire the legal community for years to come. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and admirers. His legacy will remain eternal.”

Educated at Cambridge University, UK, and called to the Bar from Gray’s Inn, London, Mr. Chagla carried forward the illustrious legal legacy of the Chagla family with distinction. To generations of young advocates, he was not only a formidable lawyer but also a mentor and a role model who epitomized simplicity, grace, and professional ethics.

His demise marks the end of an era at the Bombay Bar, leaving behind a void that will be deeply felt by colleagues, juniors, and the judiciary alike.

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