On January 12, 2025, the legal community lost an icon, a man whose every action reflected the nobility of his craft and the depth of his character. Senior Advocate Iqbal M. Chagla, a name synonymous with integrity, intellect, and an unyielding commitment to justice, passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

A scholar of history and law from Cambridge University and a barrister called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn, he returned to Bombay, not just to practice law but to craft a legacy. For decades, his towering presence shaped the corridors of the Bombay High Court, where he earned the Senior Advocate's gown at a remarkably young age of 39.

His roots ran deep into the history of Indian jurisprudence, he was the son of the legendary Justice MC Chagla, but Mr. Iqbal Chagla carved his own path, marked by fearless advocacy and an unwavering moral compass. His leadership of the Bombay Bar Association became a defining chapter in its history, where he boldly demanded the resignation of five judges of the Bombay High Court in 1990, raising critical questions about judicial integrity. His resolute stand extended further in 1995, when he sought the resignation of the then Chief Justice of the High Court. It was through his persistence and courage that resignations, transfers, and reforms followed, setting unparalleled standards for accountability.

Few would have declined an offer to join the Supreme Court Bench with the promise of becoming the Chief Justice of India, but for him, loyalty to his principles always prevailed over personal ambition. Beyond the courtrooms, his wisdom graced international arbitrations, his voice resonated in legal seminars, and his intellect illuminated foreign jurisdictions. Yet, he balanced his extraordinary career with the simple joys of life like golf, music, photography, and an insatiable love for reading.

Senior Advocate Iqbal Chagla was widely admired not only for his legal acumen but also for his warmth, humanity, and love for sports, particularly cricket. Speaking of him, Senior Advocate and former President of AAWI Rajiv Chavan remarked, "Senior Advocate Iqbal Chagla was an amazing lawyer, humane, a sports lover, and kind-hearted. His love for cricket is well-known. He was particularly kind to me as well as our Bar as he guided and inspired us to achieve greater things. Always a perfectionist but never rude while trying to achieve perfection in whatever he did. As a lawyer, he was much superior to many in the Supreme Court as well as the Bombay High Court. His loss will be felt in the corridors of courts as well as on the cricket field equally."

BBA President Nitin Thakker echoed these sentiments, describing him as "a stalwart of the legal fraternity and a champion of human rights. He has been an inspiration for so many young lawyers due to his court demeanour, his fairness, and his integrity. He has been a champion of defending human rights and a fierce fighter for upholding the rule of law. Above all, he was a gentleman and a great human being. The Bombay Bar Association has lost a stalwart, and his loss is immense."

Mr. Iqbal M. Chagla was not merely an advocate of the law; he was its custodian, its conscience, and its champion. His passing leaves a void that few can fill, but his legacy will forever be a guiding star in the ever-evolving firmament of justice.