Nanabhoy Palkhivala, Jurist, Economist
Jurist, Economist

Nanabhoy Palkhivala

Born 16 January 1920 · Maharashtra — Died 11 December 2002

Led the defense in Kesavananda Bharati case defining India's constitutional framework in 1973.

Nanabhoy "Nani" Ardeshir Palkhivala was an Indian lawyer and jurist. He rose to prominence as lead counsel in several landmark constitutional cases before the Supreme Court of India, including Kesavananda Bharati v. The State of Kerala, I.C. Golaknath and Ors.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Despite a stammer, Nani Palkhivala's courtroom speeches attracted law students and junior advocates eager to learn from his eloquence and reasoning.

The Story

1
In 1946, Nani Palkhivala began his legal career in Bombay under the mentorship of Sir Jamshedji Behramji Kanga, quickly gaining attention for his sharp advocacy in tax law cases.
2
🌟 In 1973, he argued the Kesavananda Bharati case before the Supreme Court, a landmark constitutional battle that defined the 'basic structure doctrine' limiting Parliament's amendment powers.
3Between 1977 and 1979, Palkhivala served as India's Ambassador to the United States, navigating diplomacy during a politically turbulent post-Emergency India.
4📜 He co-authored the authoritative legal text 'The Law and Practice of Income Tax' with Sir Jamshedji, a work still cited by tax professionals decades later.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1946, Palkhivala started practicing law under Sir Jamshedji Kanga, who later credited Palkhivala exclusively for their co-authored book on income tax law.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth in Bombay Presidency
Nanabhoy Ardeshir Palkhivala was born in Bombay, his family name linked to ancestral palanquin manufacturing.
1920
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Career
Called to Bar and Legal Start
Commenced legal practice in Bombay under Sir Jamshedji Behramji Kanga, focusing on tax law.
1946
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Other
Famous Speech at Loyola College
Delivered a critical speech against constitutional amendments threatening democratic rights.
1971
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Career
Argued Kesavananda Bharati Case
Led counsel in the Supreme Court case defining limitations on Parliament's power to amend the Constitution.
1973
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Career
Appointed Ambassador to the US
Served as India's Ambassador to the United States during a politically sensitive period until 1979.
1977
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Career
Minerva Mills Case Victory
Secured a Supreme Court ruling that reinforced judicial review of constitutional amendments.
1980
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Death
Death of Nani Palkhivala
Passed away, leaving a legacy as a constitutional jurist and economic thinker.
2002
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

In 1971, he publicly criticized three constitutional amendments (24th, 25th, 26th) during a speech at Loyola College, Chennai, highlighting the threat to civil liberties.

02 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

The 47-minute documentary 'Nani – The Crusader' (2015) features interviews with prominent figures like Ratan Tata and Soli Sorabjee, preserving memories from Palkhivala’s contemporaries.

03 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Palkhivala was among the few lawyers of his time advocating for tax reductions as a means to stimulate economic growth, challenging the prevailing economic orthodoxy.

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"The Constitution must proceed hand in hand with the progress of the human mind."

— Nanabhoy Palkhivala

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Biography of Nani Palkhivala, Indian jurist and liberal economist, Padma Vibhushan recipients
·YouTube
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Biography of Nani Palkhivala, Indian jurist and liberal economist, Padma Vibhushan recipients
01
Biography of Nani Palkhivala, Indian jurist and liberal economist, Padma Vibhushan recipients
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Nanabhoy “Nani” Ardeshir Palkhivala, Nani Palkhiwala ' Crusader of justice'
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Nanabhoy “Nani” Ardeshir Palkhivala, Nani Palkhiwala ' Crusader of justice'
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Legendary Nani Palkhivala speaks on India and Constitution
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Legendary Nani Palkhivala speaks on India and Constitution
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🌱 What changed because of them

Nani Palkhivala's arguments in constitutional cases like Kesavananda Bharati and Minerva Mills established the basic structure doctrine, which continues to protect the Indian Constitution from arbitrary amendments. His advocacy for liberal economic policies influenced tax law reforms and economic discourse in India. Furthermore, his diplomatic tenure as Ambassador to the US during 1977-1979 helped stabilize bilateral relations during a critical phase of Indian politics.

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