Iqbal Chagla, one of India’s leading senior advocates and lawyers, sadly passed away on January 12, 2025.
Iqbal Chagla Biography
He was born in 1939 and studied at Cambridge University, where he earned a master’s degree in history and law. He began his legal career at the Bombay Bar and was honored with the title of Senior Advocate in the 1970s.
From 1990 to 1999, Chagla served as the President of the Bombay Bar Association for three terms. He was also offered a direct judgeship in the Supreme Court, but he chose to decline the offer. Throughout his career, he focused on civil cases and company law.
The Bombay Bar Association expressed deep sorrow over his passing, describing his contributions to the legal profession as invaluable and his legacy as unforgettable.
He was passionate about golf and loved photography. Reading and music were also his favorite pastimes.
Died At At The Age Of 85
Senior advocate Iqbal Chagla, one of India’s top lawyers, passed away on Sunday at the age of 85 after being unwell for a few days. According to media sources, his last rites will take place on Monday at the Worli crematorium.
Senior advocate Iqbal Chagla, son of former Bombay High Court Chief Justice M.C. Chagla and father of Justice R.I. Chagla passed away at 85 after being unwell for a few days. #IqbalChagla #LegalLegend #MumbaiNews #News pic.twitter.com/265mVtLROI
— Mid Day (@mid_day) January 12, 2025
Eduaction & Family
He was the son of M.C. Chagla, a former Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, and the father of Justice R.I. Chagla, a current judge at the Bombay High Court.
He earned a master’s degree in History and Law from King’s College, Cambridge University, and in 2012, Behrampur University in Odisha awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Laws for his outstanding contributions to public life.
Chagla was involved in various trusts, including the Chief Justice Chagla Memorial Trust, H.M. Seervai Memorial Trust, and the Mehli Mehta Music Foundation.
Timeline of Iqbal Chagla’s Career and Contributions
- 1947-1958: M.C. Chagla, Iqbal Chagla’s father, served as the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. He later became a judge of the International Court of Justice at The Hague (1957-1960).
- 1958-1963: M.C. Chagla was appointed as India’s ambassador to the United States, Mexico, and Cuba (1958-1961) and later served as the high commissioner to Britain and ambassador to Ireland (1962-1963).
- 1963-1967: M.C. Chagla became India’s Minister of Education (1963-1966) and Minister for External Affairs (1966-1967). During this period, he represented India at the United Nations Security Council (1964-1965) and became critical of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s authoritarian rule.
- 1970s: He following in his father’s footsteps, pursued law. He was called to the Bar from Gray’s Inn in London and returned to Bombay to practice law. At the young age of 39, he was designated as a Senior Advocate (equivalent to a Queen’s Counsel).
- 1990-1999: Chagla served three terms as President of the Bombay Bar Association, advocating for integrity and reforms in the legal profession.
- 1990: He moved a resolution calling for the resignation of five Bombay High Court judges whose integrity was questioned, leading to their resignations, transfers, or denial of judicial work.
- 1995: Chagla again pushed for accountability, calling for the resignation of the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. His resolution led to the Chief Justice stepping down.
- 2012: He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree by Behrampur University in Odisha for his contributions to law and public service.
Throughout his career, Chagla declined prestigious offers, including a rare direct appointment to the Supreme Court of India and the prospect of becoming the Chief Justice of India, citing personal reasons.
His legacy includes his strong stance on ethics in the judiciary and his extensive contributions to the legal profession.
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