Soli Sorabjee, Jurist
Jurist

Soli Sorabjee

Born 9 March 1930 · Maharashtra — Died 30 April 2021

Serving as Attorney-General for India and defending freedom of expression in landmark cases.

Soli Jehangir Sorabjee, AM was an Indian jurist who served as Attorney-General for India from 1989 to 1990, and again from 1998 to 2004. In 2002, he received the Padma Vibhushan for his defence of the freedom of expression and the protection of human rights.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Soli Sorabjee was awarded the Kinloch Forbes Gold Medal in Roman Law and Jurisprudence in 1952 while studying at Government Law College, Mumbai.

The Story

1
In 1953, Soli Sorabjee was admitted to the Mumbai bar after earning the Kinloch Forbes Gold Medal in Roman Law and Jurisprudence from Government Law College in 1952, marking the start of a legal career intertwined with constitutional battles.
2
🌟 In 1971, Sorabjee was designated a senior advocate of the Bombay High Court, stepping into a role that would see him challenge the limits of parliamentary power during landmark cases like Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala.
3From 1977 to 1980, he served as Solicitor-General of India, defending political prisoners during the Emergency (1975-1977), providing crucial legal support against state repression.
4As Attorney-General of India twice (1989-1990 and 1998-2004), Sorabjee argued pivotal cases including Maneka Gandhi v Union of India and Shreya Singhal v Union of India, which shaped the interpretation of personal liberty and online free speech.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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During the Emergency (1975-1977), Sorabjee provided legal services to political prisoners who were arrested without trial, a rare stance that put him at odds with the government.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Born in Bombay to Parsi family
Soli Jehangir Sorabjee was born on 9 March 1930 in Bombay, Maharashtra, into a Parsi family, beginning a life deeply connected with India’s legal evolution.
1930
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Education
Awarded Kinloch Forbes Gold Medal
While studying at Government Law College, Mumbai, Sorabjee received the Kinloch Forbes Gold Medal in Roman Law and Jurisprudence in 1952.
1952
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Career
Admitted to Mumbai Bar
Soli Sorabjee was admitted to the bar in Mumbai, officially beginning his legal career.
1953
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Career
Designated Senior Advocate
He was designated a senior advocate of the Bombay High Court, a status recognizing his expertise and standing in law.
1971
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Career
Appointed Solicitor-General of India
Sorabjee served as Solicitor-General of India from 1977 to 1980, defending civil liberties during politically turbulent times.
1977
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Career
First term as Attorney-General begins
Soli Sorabjee was appointed Attorney-General for India on 9 December 1989, a position he held until 2 December 1990.
1989
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Career
Second term as Attorney-General begins
He resumed the office of Attorney-General on 7 April 1998 and served until 2004, handling key constitutional cases.
1998
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Vibhushan
Soli Sorabjee received the Padma Vibhushan for his defense of freedom of expression and human rights.
2002
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Death
Passed away
Soli Sorabjee passed away on 30 April 2021, leaving behind a legacy of constitutional jurisprudence.
2021
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

In March 2006, Sorabjee was made an honorary member of the Order of Australia (AM) for advancing Australia-India legal relations, a unique international recognition for an Indian jurist.

02 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Sorabjee was part of the legal team in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), the constitutional case that established Parliament cannot alter the 'basic structure' of the Constitution.

03 / 04
👤PERSONAL

He represented victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots pro bono through the Citizen's Justice Committee, supporting a marginalized group without financial gain.

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"Rule of Law runs like a golden thread in the Indian constitution."

— Soli Sorabjee

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
10% quota is politically motivated but also a step towards social justice, says Soli Sorabjee
More from this archive
10% quota is politically motivated but also a step towards social justice, says Soli Sorabjee
01
10% quota is politically motivated but also a step towards social justice, says Soli Sorabjee
Former Attorney General, Soli Sorabjee Speaks Eclusively With Republic TV About #MeTooControversy
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Former Attorney General, Soli Sorabjee Speaks Eclusively With Republic TV About #MeTooControversy
Indian Jurist Soli Sorabjee Speaks On Hyderabad Encounter, Says 'Cruel Way Of Doing Justice'
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Indian Jurist Soli Sorabjee Speaks On Hyderabad Encounter, Says 'Cruel Way Of Doing Justice'
CNN IBN Soli Sorabjee 5 8 2007
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CNN IBN Soli Sorabjee 5 8 2007
Remembrance meeting for Shri Soli J Sorabjee, former Attorney-General Organised by SILF.
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Remembrance meeting for Shri Soli J Sorabjee, former Attorney-General Organised by SILF.
BJP stand on Sabarimala and triple talaq is hypocritical: Soli Sorabjee
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BJP stand on Sabarimala and triple talaq is hypocritical: Soli Sorabjee
QRant: Why Soli Sorabjee is Angry With ‘Hooligans in Black Robes’
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QRant: Why Soli Sorabjee is Angry With ‘Hooligans in Black Robes’
Legally Speaking With Tarun Nangia : Soli Sorabjee Life and Times - Part 2
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Legally Speaking With Tarun Nangia : Soli Sorabjee Life and Times - Part 2
Legally Speaking With Tarun Nangia : Soli Sorabjee Life and Times - Part 1
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Legally Speaking With Tarun Nangia : Soli Sorabjee Life and Times - Part 1
Faye D'Souza In An Interview With Soli Sorabjee | Mirror Now Exclusive
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Faye D'Souza In An Interview With Soli Sorabjee | Mirror Now Exclusive

🌱 What changed because of them

Soli Sorabjee’s legal interventions redefined constitutional safeguards, particularly the ‘basic structure’ doctrine limiting parliamentary power and expanding fundamental rights like personal liberty and free speech. His pro bono work for 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims set precedents for legal aid in communal violence cases. Internationally, his participation in bodies like The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration strengthened India’s voice in global legal forums.

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