About the Lecture
The Fali S. Nariman Memorial Lecture is an annual or periodic public lecture series instituted to honour the legacy, values, and constitutional vision of , one of India’s most eminent constitutional lawyers and public intellectuals.
Who Was Fali S. Nariman?
- Renowned constitutional expert, senior advocate, and jurist
- Served as Additional Solicitor General of India (1972–1975)
- Resigned during the Emergency (1975) in protest, symbolising commitment to civil liberties
- Author of influential works on constitutional law and democracy
- Recipient of Padma Bhushan (1990) and Padma Vibhushan (2007)
Purpose and Significance
The Memorial Lecture aims to:
- Uphold constitutional morality, rule of law, and judicial independence
- Encourage critical reflection on democracy, civil liberties, federalism, and institutional integrity
- Provide a platform for leading jurists, judges, scholars, and policymakers to engage with contemporary constitutional challenges
Themes Commonly Addressed
- Constitutionalism and Rule of Law
- Judicial independence and accountability
- Fundamental rights and civil liberties
- Separation of powers
- Federalism and Centre–State relations
- Democratic institutions under stress
- Ethics of the legal profession
Nature of the Event
- Delivered by eminent judges, senior advocates, scholars, or public thinkers
- Often hosted by legal associations, constitutional forums, or memorial trusts
- Academic, reflective, and non-partisan in character
- Frequently referenced in legal discourse and constitutional debates
Broader Relevance
- Reinforces India’s tradition of constitutional debate outside courtrooms
- Serves as an intellectual bridge between law, governance, and public policy
- Helps contextualise contemporary issues through constitutional principles rather than political positions
Conclusion
The Fali S. Nariman Memorial Lecture is not merely a commemorative event but a continuation of Nariman’s lifelong mission—defending the Constitution, safeguarding individual liberty, and strengthening democratic institutions through reasoned constitutional dialogue.
