Before memory fades: an autobiography by Fali S. Narima

Book Summary

Before Memory Fades is the candid and comprehensive autobiography of Fali S. Nariman, one of India’s most distinguished legal minds and senior advocates. The book traces his life from early years in Rangoon (now Yangon) through his long and influential legal career, offering both personal recollections and reflections on major events in Indian law and society.

Key elements of the book include:

• Formative years and early influences — Nariman shares how his upbringing and interactions with eminent judges and lawyers shaped his outlook and career.

• Legal milestones and landmark cases — He discusses critical legal battles he fought, including cases that significantly impacted the interpretation of the Indian Constitution and the broader evolution of the law.

• Judiciary and politics — The autobiography delves into the relationship between political power and judicial independence, including contentious periods like the Emergency of the mid‑1970s.

• Corruption, reform, and the legal profession — Nariman outlines his concerns about ethical challenges in law and offers suggestions to restore confidence in the profession and legal institutions.

• Public service — He describes his nomination and tenure as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, reflecting on both legal and civic responsibilities.

The narrative interweaves legal history, personal memory, and national milestones, making it informative for both legal professionals and general readers interested in India’s judicial and constitutional journey.

 About the Author:

Fali S. Nariman (born 1929) was a celebrated

 Indian jurist and senior advocate of the Supreme Court of India. Known for his eloquence, deep constitutional insight, and integrity, he was widely respected across legal and political circles.

Highlights of his life and career:

• Legal career: Nariman began practicing in 1950 at the Bombay High Court, later becoming a leading advocate in the Supreme Court, where he argued several defining constitutional and public interest cases.

• International roles: He served in prestigious global arbitration and legal organizations, including positions with the International Commission of Jurists and the International Court of Arbitration.

• Honours: Nariman received India’s Padma Bhushan (1991) and Padma Vibhushan (2007) — among the nation’s highest civilian honours — in recognition of his distinguished service in law and public affairs.

• Public service: He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha (India’s upper house of Parliament) from 1999 to 2005, where he continued to advocate for constitutional values and legal integrity.

His autobiography reflects not just his personal story, but also deep engagement with issues of constitutionalism, justice, and the rule of law in modern India.