Distinguished Jury Recognizes Arvind Datar with First Fali Nariman Memorial Award

Fali Nariman's Legacy Lives On: Arvind Datar Awarded for Outstanding Legal Contributions

Under the esteemed banner of BITS Pilani, BITS Law School, Mumbai, in collaboration with Surana & Surana International Attorneys (SSIA), celebrated a significant milestone in legal excellence. The institution proudly awarded Arvind P. Datar the prestigious inaugural Fali Nariman Memorial Award, honouring his remarkable 45-year journey of exceptional contributions to the legal field. The Fali Nariman Memorial Award was created to honour the lasting legacy of Fali Nariman (1929–2024), a revered jurist known for his contributions to constitutional law and India’s judicial system. This award recognizes individuals who exemplify Nariman’s values, including integrity, high ethical standards, upholding the Rule of Law, and promoting democracy and the Constitution of India.

The award process began with 76 nominations in November 2024, which were evaluated by a distinguished jury including Justice Sanjay Gangapurwala, Dr. Lalit Bhasin, Percival Billimoria, Dr. Aparna Chandra, and Naveen Raju. Following the ceremony, a fireside chat on Legal Education: Innovative Ideas featured Justice Roshan Dalvi, Percival Billimoria, and Professor Aparna Chandra. The event took place at the BITS Pilani Mumbai Campus and was attended by legal professionals, students, and faculty from both BITS Law School and the BITS School of Management.

Arvind Datar, a distinguished Senior Advocate, has played a key role in shaping constitutional, commercial, and taxation law through landmark cases before the Supreme Court, High Courts, and international tribunals. His leadership in legal institutions like the Palkhivala Foundation and his scholarly contributions further reflect his commitment to legal education and public service. Upon receiving the award, Datar congratulated BITS Law School for establishing the Fali Nariman Memorial Award, calling it a fitting tribute to an exceptional counsel whose life would inspire future generations of lawyers.

In his address, Justice UU Lalit, former Chief Justice of India, praised Arvind Datar as the most deserving recipient of the first Fali Nariman Memorial Award and expressed his pride in being part of the inaugural event. Prof. (Dr.) Ashish Bharadwaj, Founding Dean of BITS Law School, described it as a privilege to present the award to Datar and emphasized his exemplary career in law, integrity, modesty, ethical standards, and commitment to democratic principles.

The award's principles were highlighted during the selection process, where the distinguished jury unanimously chose Arvind Datar. His values closely align with the vision of BITS Law School, which aims to set a benchmark in new-age legal education, emphasizing creativity and empathy. Vinod Surana, Managing Partner of SSIA, highlighted that the occasion was a time to celebrate Fali Nariman's legacy and reflect on the values he embodied. He stressed the importance of embracing these qualities in the pursuit of progress and noted that both BITS Law School and his firm strive to incorporate them. The event marked a significant milestone in legal excellence, celebrating the legacy of Fali Nariman and honouring Arvind Datar for his outstanding contributions to the legal field.

Editor's Note:

The Fali Nariman Memorial Award was created to honour Fali Nariman's outstanding legacy, representing excellence, integrity, and a strong commitment to justice. Presenting this prestigious award to Arvind P. Datar recognizes his 45 years of exceptional work and sends a powerful message to the legal community and future generations. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining high ethical standards, supporting the Rule of Law, and respecting the democratic principles that shape our society. By honouring people like Datar, we highlight that a successful legal career is built on dedication, integrity, and ethical conduct. The award also serves as a reminder to young lawyers and law students that true excellence in law involves more than just technical skill, it requires a commitment to justice, public service, and the pursuit of truth. As we celebrate this achievement, we should remember that Fali Nariman's legacy isn't just history; it’s a guiding light for the future. His values inspire us to create a legal system that is fair and just.

Skoobuzz believes that the Fali Nariman Memorial Award is not just an honour but a call to the next generation to continue the work Nariman began with dedication and passion.