Iqbal Chagla was a senior advocate at the Bombay High Court. He was known for his eloquence, integrity, and dedication to justice. He served three terms as the president of the Bombay Bar Association (an association of lawyers practising on the Original Side of the Bombay High Court) from 1990 to 1999. He received an honorary doctorate in law from the University of Berhampore in Odisha. His son is Justice Riyaz Chagla, a judge of the Bombay High Court.
Personal Information
| Full Name | Iqbal Chagla |
| Born | March 7, 1939 |
| Died | January 12, 2025 (aged 85) Mumbai |
| Nationality | India |
| Occupation | Advocate |
| Alma Mater | Cambridge University |
| Relatives | Justice Mahommedali Currim Chagla (father) Justice Riyaz Chagla (son) |
Early Life and Education
Iqbal Chagla was born on March 7, 1939, to Mahommedali Currim Chagla, the first permanent Indian Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. He pursued his higher education at King’s College, Cambridge University, where he earned a master's degree in History and Law. He was then called to the Bar from Gray's Inn and returned to Bombay, where he began a long legal practice in law.
Career
Iqbal Chagla, following in his father’s footsteps, pursued law. He returned from London to the Bombay Bar. He preferred to be a leading member of the Bombay Bar. He was invited to be a Senior Advocate (the Indian equivalent of a QC) at the relatively young age of 39. He focused his career on civil cases and company law. He became an icon of the Bombay High Court and raised his voice against corruption in the judiciary.
He served as the President of the Bombay Bar Association (an association of lawyers practising on the Original Side of the Bombay High Court) for three terms from 1990 to 1999. He also served as a Member of the Executive Committee of the Bar Association of India and as a Member of the National Legal Services Authority, Delhi.
In 1990, he led resolutions calling for the resignation of five judges of the Bombay High Court whose integrity was questioned by the Bar. The resolutions were passed, albeit with much-heated debate: one judge resigned, two were transferred, and two were denied any further judicial work. Five years later, he had to move another resolution for the resignation of the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, and the Chief Justice resigned.
He was offered a judgeship at the Supreme Court, a rare honour, with the added allure that he would, in a few years, become the Chief Justice of India. For personal reasons, he had to decline the honour.
He has attended and participated in various law conferences and has been invited to speak at various seminars. He has appeared in international arbitrations and has advised on proceedings in foreign courts. He has given expert evidence on Indian law in the Southern District Court of New York and in the Isle of Man Court.
In 2012, he was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws by Berhampur University in Odisha for attaining eminence in public affairs.
He was a trustee of the Chief Justice Chagla Memorial Trust, the H.M. Seervai Memorial Trust, and the Mehli Mehta Music Foundation.
Death and Legacy
Iqbal Chagla died on January 12, 2025, at the age of 85 after a brief illness in Mumbai. He was married and had a son, Riyaz Chagla, who is also a judge at the Bombay High Court. His death was mourned by the legal community, and his contributions to the profession were remembered as invaluable.
He played golf with passion and had photography as an abiding hobby. Reading and music were his constant companions.
His legacy is one of integrity, courage, and dedication to justice. He was known for his meticulous preparation, thorough research, and eloquent advocacy. His commitment to ethical standards and the rule of law set a high bar for future generations of lawyers.
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