BITS Law School, Mumbai, in collaboration with Surana & Surana International Attorneys (SSIA), recently honored Mr. Arvind P. Datar with the inaugural Fali Nariman Memorial Award for his 45-year contribution to the legal profession.

The award was established to recognize individuals who uphold the values of Fali Nariman (1929–2024), including integrity, ethical standards, the Rule of Law, and constitutional democracy.

Mr. Arvind Datar, a Senior Advocate, has played a key role in shaping constitutional, commercial, and taxation law through cases before the Supreme Court of India, High Courts, and international tribunals. His work with the Palkhivala Foundation and legal scholarship further highlight his commitment to legal education and public service.

On receiving the award, Mr. Datar, said “Congratulations to BITS Law School for instituting the Fali Nariman Memorial Award. It is indeed a grateful and apt tribute to an outstanding counsel whose life will always be a guiding light to the present and coming generation of lawyers”. 

Justice U.U. Lalit, former Chief Justice of India, stated, “There could not have been a more deserving recipient than Mr. Arvind Datar for the first Fali Nariman Memorial Award. As part of the advisory council of BITS Law School, I am honored to be part of this event.”

Prof. (Dr.) Ashish Bharadwaj, Founding Dean of BITS Law School, Mumbai, said, “It is a privilege for BITS and SSIA to present this award to Mr. Arvind Datar. His legal expertise, integrity, humility, and commitment to democratic values align with BITS Law School’s vision of advancing legal education. The jury unanimously selected him from a large pool of nominees.”

Mr. Vinod Surana, Managing Partner at SSIA, added, “Today, we recognize not only Mr. Fali Nariman’s legacy but also the values he represented, which continue to inspire BITS Law School and my firm.”

The award process, which began in November 2024, received 76 nominations. The jury included Justice Sanjay Gangapurwala (Retd. Chief Justice, Madras High Court), Dr. Lalit Bhasin (Founder, Bhasin & Co.), Mr. Percival Billimoria (Senior Advocate), Dr. Aparna Chandra (Associate Professor, NLSIU Bengaluru), and Mr. Naveen Raju (General Counsel & EVP, Mahindra & Mahindra).

The ceremony also featured a fireside chat, Legal Education: Innovative Ideas, with Justice Roshan Dalvi, former judge at the Bombay High Court; Mr. Percival Billimoria; and Professor Aparna Chandra.

Held at BITS Pilani’s Mumbai Campus, the event was attended by legal professionals, students, and faculty from BITS Law School and BITS School of Management.

A recording of the event is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zUH9CnP2dYk.