Coronavirus: Soli Sorabjee, former attorney general, dies at 91
The Constitutional law expert was India’s attorney general from 1989 to 1990 and then again between 1998 and 2004. He got the Padma Vibhushan in 2002.
Former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee died on Friday morning of the coronavirus infection, PTI reported. He was 91.
He was admitted to a hospital in South Delhi on Saturday after he developed a fever and breathing difficulties.
The Constitutional law expert was India’s attorney general from 1989 to 1990 and then again between 1998 and 2004. He got the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian award, in 2002.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was saddened by Sorabjee’s demise. “Shri Soli Sorabjee was an outstanding lawyer and intellectual,” Modi tweeted. “Through law, he was at the forefront of helping the poor and downtrodden. He will be remembered for his noteworthy tenures India’s Attorney General. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers.”
President Ram Nath Kovind said India has lost an icon of its legal system. “He was among the select few who deeply influenced evolution of constitutional law & justice system,” Kovind tweeted. “Awarded with Padma Vibhushan, he was among most eminent jurists. My condolences to his family & associates.”
The Supreme Court on Friday also paid its homage. A bench of Chief Justice NV Ramana and justices Surya Kant and AS Bopanna said it was very sad news, reported PTI. “We pray for the gentle soul,” they added.
Several other politicians and members of the legal fraternity expressed their condolences. Here are some reactions:
Anguished to learn about the passing away of Shri Soli Sorabjee, a noted jurist and former Attorney General of India. Sorabjee was a doyen of the legal fraternity, who will always be remembered for his contribution in the field of constitutional law. My condolences to his family.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 30, 2021
Saddened to hear that former Attorney General Shri Soli Sorabjee is no more.
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) April 30, 2021
His legal acumen is well known and appreciated.
His articulation was infused with subtlety and was always polite.
A graceful presence in any discussion. A great human being.
Deeply saddened at the passing of a giant of India's legal fraternity. It was my great honour to have known former attorney general, 'Padma Vibhushan' Soli Sorabjee. He was a true gentleman, master of court craft, stood by high principles & mentored many top lawyers
— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) April 30, 2021
Om Shanti🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/6DJoiBTJ78
The gentle giant Soli Sorabjee passed away this morning. Always ready to lend a helping hand Soli Sir leaves behind countless admirers & many memories. My condolences to the family in this hour of grief.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) April 30, 2021
How much we are pained at the loss of one of India's illustrious jurists, a tall Constitutional expert and former Attorney General, Soli Sorabjee. We shall forever cherish his towering contributions to the Indian jurisprudence.
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 30, 2021
May his soul get eternal peace. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/gJI5FRenTe
My neighbour-common wall—Soli #Sorabjee-passes away. Went 2max late nite a week ago with #covid but per wife #Zena was stable &ok, only fidgety at being alone. Happy 2get their house fumigated at Zena rqst. Suddenly, heart stopped last nite & cld nt be revived. Long association.
— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) April 30, 2021
Saddened by news that former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee has passed away after a recent bout of #Covid. A man of uncommon ability & integrity, he stood for principled public values. (And we shared a birthday.) A giant has departed. RIP Soli. https://t.co/9YWxqllI7J
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 30, 2021
Saddened by news that former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee has passed away after a recent bout of #Covid. A man of uncommon ability & integrity, he stood for principled public values. (And we shared a birthday.) A giant has departed. RIP Soli. https://t.co/9YWxqllI7J
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 30, 2021
India has lost an eminent jurist and a gentle human being. Condolences to the family and friends of Soli Sorabjee. pic.twitter.com/zmxQACZaeu
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) April 30, 2021
Soli Sorabjee, a legal giant of our time passed away today, after some days in hospital due to Covid. He was a good friend & very affectionate. The photo is of when my father & I visited him 4 months back pic.twitter.com/3ErZYXUits
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) April 30, 2021
Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Attorney General and a legend of the world of law, Sri Soli Sorabjee. Decorated with the Padma Vibhushan, he was a champion of human rights and freedom of speech. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/mNLJMwAiPd
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) April 30, 2021
