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God Save the Hon'ble Supreme Court
A timely volume that highlights the forthright and candid views and opinions on a wide variety of pertinent issues by one of India's most respected legal luminaries fali s. Nariman, with a remarkable track record in the legal field, is not one to mince his words. He holds forth cogently on topics such as the supreme court and the judiciary, politicians and parliament, the media and its right to expression, the constitution (of which he is an ardent defender) and the minorities and more. Whatever be the subject, he drives home his points on the basis of sound and logical contentions and arguments. Also, he questions the recent functioning of the supreme court of India, the government s policies vis-à-vis the press, the judiciary and particularly the minorities, who, he declares, today need to be protected, as per the constitution, more than ever before. He peppers the text with countless facts, innumerable anecdotes and enthralling incidents that make for fascinating and enriching reading. His analysis of judicial activism and the fear of a majoritarian government provide much food for thought. The contents are rounded off with nostalgic cameos on the author s experience regarding defamation (which he says is a luxury) and a wholesome tribute to the super judge justice V. R. Krishna iyer, whose presence he greatly misses. Here is a work that neither the students of law and contemporary politics nor the legal practitioners and the lay person can afford to miss.
- GenresLawNonfiction
304 pages, Hardcover
Published July 23, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 16, 2019
In early January 2018, four serving judges of the Supreme Court of India (CJI) namely : Justices Chelameshwar, Kurian Joseph, Madan B Lokur and Ranjan Gogoi held an unprecedented press conference which alleged that there were certain issues plaguing the apex court of India. This pretty much sent shock waves through the society at large as the judiciary was seen as an unshakeable pillar of the Indian system which dealt with its internal affairs behind closed rooms (thus far). And hence to have four senior judges come out and blow the whistle left a lot many Indians surprised. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) – Deepak Mishra (at that point in time) stepped in and conducted extensive discussions with his dissenting colleagues and tried to bring matters to a closure. This has pretty much become lore now as three of the judges have since then retired and the fourth (Ranjan Gogoi) is the current CJI.
This book appears to be a hastily put together one which collects a series of articles by a senior advocate of the SC – Fali S Nariman in the background of this historic press conference. There is a slightly longish essay that debates the merits and demerits of the judges appearing before the press, another one on the historic importance of the former judicial activist and SC judge V R Krishna Iyer etc. Even on a customary reading you can understand that there is no underlying narrative thread that connects these essays and other than the splendid language used by Nariman in his writing, I did not pick up much from this book.
This book appears to be a hastily put together one which collects a series of articles by a senior advocate of the SC – Fali S Nariman in the background of this historic press conference. There is a slightly longish essay that debates the merits and demerits of the judges appearing before the press, another one on the historic importance of the former judicial activist and SC judge V R Krishna Iyer etc. Even on a customary reading you can understand that there is no underlying narrative thread that connects these essays and other than the splendid language used by Nariman in his writing, I did not pick up much from this book.
February 16, 2019
A hurriedly put together book. Glaring mistakes plagues most pages of the books. At the best this can be called as a lengthy blog post. Certainly not worth the name of the author. The blame squarely lies on the editors. Just to rake in the sales by getting this out at a time when the tension from the corridors of Supreme Court was yet to die out, they have utterly failed to do their homework.
September 5, 2020
The year 2017 and 2018 are considered to be the most controversial years in Indian Supreme Court History. From the contempt proceedings against Justice C.S. Karnan to four senior judges taking their grievance against sitting Chief Justice of India to the press, the series of events and major judgements thus followed had impacted the third pillar of democracy.
On the backdrop of those events, in this book, Nariman discusses various issues concerning the judiciary in dozen of essays with his eloquent and succinct writing, keeping in view that the reader would not necessarily be a law graduate. With numerous reference to Granville Austin, Nariman had chiseled core concepts of democracy and constitution in his 300 page book. Apart from certain judicial jargons such as Master of Roster, collegium, prospective overruling. Etc which needs referring to google, this books stands out as a treasure for anyone interested in post independence events which shaped the Indian judiciary. The author had mastered the art of story telling by repeatedly taking us back to the important events in Indian history such as Kesavanada Bharati vs Union of India, the landmark judgement which outlined the 'Basic Structure Doctrine', the appointment of A.N. Ray as Chief Justice superceding three senior judges of his time, the only occasion in Indian history when the CJI became acting president, repeal of protection of publication act during emergency and the time when Communist Party of India pressurized the house speaker belonging to their party to vote against then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the no confidence motion, only to later expel him from the party, just because he wanted to be neutral (as he held the position of speaker).
Nariman was flag-bearer of federalism, secularism, minority rights, freedom of speech and equality and his career and writings are proof for it. Apart from his fruitful career in Indian judiciary, Nariman had also served as Member of Parliament under Prime Minister Vajpayee, and in this book he had discussed his vision for parliamentary ethics where disruption and protest in form of walk out should be confined to a time period of fifteen minutes.
My favourite part of the book is a separate essay on Justice Krishna Iyer, under the topic 'The Super Judge'. Writing his tribute to one of the most innovative, underdog, compassionate and grandest maverick in India's legal history, Nariman takes us back to 1979 when Justice Krishna Iyer upheld gender equality under article 14, in the case of C.B. Muthamma, India's first woman foreign service officer, who was denied promotion as ambassador to foreign nations. Declaring that "there is transparent discrimination against women in IFS rules", Krishna Iyer passed a brave and far sighted judgement in favour of Muthamma, ultimately getting her the promotion she deserved.
To summarise, which is Supreme under our constitution? The Parliament or the Supreme Court? The answer is neither. It is the constitution that is supreme and this book is a valuable reminder that the constitution is the roadmap to an egalatarian India, only if the apex court and the judges upholds it's morality.
On the backdrop of those events, in this book, Nariman discusses various issues concerning the judiciary in dozen of essays with his eloquent and succinct writing, keeping in view that the reader would not necessarily be a law graduate. With numerous reference to Granville Austin, Nariman had chiseled core concepts of democracy and constitution in his 300 page book. Apart from certain judicial jargons such as Master of Roster, collegium, prospective overruling. Etc which needs referring to google, this books stands out as a treasure for anyone interested in post independence events which shaped the Indian judiciary. The author had mastered the art of story telling by repeatedly taking us back to the important events in Indian history such as Kesavanada Bharati vs Union of India, the landmark judgement which outlined the 'Basic Structure Doctrine', the appointment of A.N. Ray as Chief Justice superceding three senior judges of his time, the only occasion in Indian history when the CJI became acting president, repeal of protection of publication act during emergency and the time when Communist Party of India pressurized the house speaker belonging to their party to vote against then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the no confidence motion, only to later expel him from the party, just because he wanted to be neutral (as he held the position of speaker).
Nariman was flag-bearer of federalism, secularism, minority rights, freedom of speech and equality and his career and writings are proof for it. Apart from his fruitful career in Indian judiciary, Nariman had also served as Member of Parliament under Prime Minister Vajpayee, and in this book he had discussed his vision for parliamentary ethics where disruption and protest in form of walk out should be confined to a time period of fifteen minutes.
My favourite part of the book is a separate essay on Justice Krishna Iyer, under the topic 'The Super Judge'. Writing his tribute to one of the most innovative, underdog, compassionate and grandest maverick in India's legal history, Nariman takes us back to 1979 when Justice Krishna Iyer upheld gender equality under article 14, in the case of C.B. Muthamma, India's first woman foreign service officer, who was denied promotion as ambassador to foreign nations. Declaring that "there is transparent discrimination against women in IFS rules", Krishna Iyer passed a brave and far sighted judgement in favour of Muthamma, ultimately getting her the promotion she deserved.
To summarise, which is Supreme under our constitution? The Parliament or the Supreme Court? The answer is neither. It is the constitution that is supreme and this book is a valuable reminder that the constitution is the roadmap to an egalatarian India, only if the apex court and the judges upholds it's morality.
September 17, 2018
Fali Nariman, who can be otherwise called the Grand Old Man of the Bar, needs no introduction to lawyers and, in fact, to anyone having something to do with law. He has previously authored three books including his bestselling autobiography “Before Memory Fades” and the book in hand entitled “God Save the Hon’ble Supreme Court” does not fail to evoke curiosity amongst the legal fraternity. The title of the book would instigate one to think that the author must have critically rebuked the functioning of apex court in the book. But that’s not the case with the book. The title relates to the traditional chant uttered by the the Marshal of the American Supreme Court (counterpart of Orderly in Indian courts) at 10 am when the nine justices of the Supreme Court enter into the courtroom and the author, referring to the recent happenings in the apex court, remarks in jest that it would not be inappropriate to put the said chant on the lips of all Indians. The book in hand is a compilation of well researched essays on different topics in law. The first two chapters discusses about the rebel justices (after all that’s how they are famously or infamously called) of our apex court who publicized their differences of opinion with the Chief Justice of India by holding a press conference and the author has recorded his unsolicited opinion as to its propriety by taking the reader’s attention to similar incidents that took place in foreign jurisdictions. He concludes the chapter by quoting the famous saying “Citadel never falls except from within” whereby impliedly expressing that the the apex court, if at all loses public confidence, can only be because of its justices and not of any external factor. One interesting chapter discusses about the lawyers and the lawgivers i.e. legislators wherein he remarks that today there is a close race between the lawyer and the lawgiver as to which is lower in publicity esteem. He further tells (to use the expression ‘admits’ would be more apt) that the rule often said by lawyers that a lawyer should not decline a brief of a client for no reason whatsoever is not based on ethics but selfish one created by the lawyers themselves in the yesteryear. He also goes on to discuss about the current crucial legal issues viz. right to freedom of press, possible plight of minorities, etc. There is also a separate chapter on Justice V.R.Krishna Iyer whom he refers to as “Super Judge” and on Mr.R.N.Trivedi, whom he calls a fine lawyer and a great friend. Both these chapters are in the form of paying tribute to the said personalities and especially the one about Justice Krishna Iyer will shed more light on the humanely quality of the great judicial mind. This book is certainly worth the time spent reading it not only for law men and women but for anyone having an ear on what is happening in our country.
December 31, 2025
God Save the Hon’ble Supreme Court is a deeply reflective and candid book by one of India’s most respected legal minds, Fali S. Nariman.
At its heart, the book is both a critique and a reaffirmation of the Supreme Court’s central role in India’s democracy. Nariman engages with difficult and often uncomfortable questions such as judicial activism, the collegium system, freedom of expression, minority rights, and the role of the media.
One of the most powerful chapters, “The Citadel Never Falls Except from Within,” captures the essence of Nariman’s concern. Here, he reflects on the internal functioning of the Supreme Court, including the unprecedented 2018 episode when four senior judges publicly expressed their grievances. While recognizing the gravity of the issues raised, Nariman firmly believes that institutional disagreements must be resolved internally. For him, the greatest threat to the judiciary comes not from outside pressure, but from internal discord that weakens public trust.
Personally, the most compelling sections of the book are the essays on internal issues within the Hon’ble Supreme Court, “The Lawyer and the Lawgiver—Both in Low Public Esteem,” the essay on Article 14 and equality before law, and Nariman’s moving tribute to the “super judge,” Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer. These essays combine sharp constitutional insight with moral clarity and deep respect for judicial integrity.
Overall, God Save the Hon’ble Supreme Court is not just a book about the judiciary; it is an appeal to protect constitutional values from within. Thoughtful, principled, and occasionally uncomfortable.
At its heart, the book is both a critique and a reaffirmation of the Supreme Court’s central role in India’s democracy. Nariman engages with difficult and often uncomfortable questions such as judicial activism, the collegium system, freedom of expression, minority rights, and the role of the media.
One of the most powerful chapters, “The Citadel Never Falls Except from Within,” captures the essence of Nariman’s concern. Here, he reflects on the internal functioning of the Supreme Court, including the unprecedented 2018 episode when four senior judges publicly expressed their grievances. While recognizing the gravity of the issues raised, Nariman firmly believes that institutional disagreements must be resolved internally. For him, the greatest threat to the judiciary comes not from outside pressure, but from internal discord that weakens public trust.
Personally, the most compelling sections of the book are the essays on internal issues within the Hon’ble Supreme Court, “The Lawyer and the Lawgiver—Both in Low Public Esteem,” the essay on Article 14 and equality before law, and Nariman’s moving tribute to the “super judge,” Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer. These essays combine sharp constitutional insight with moral clarity and deep respect for judicial integrity.
Overall, God Save the Hon’ble Supreme Court is not just a book about the judiciary; it is an appeal to protect constitutional values from within. Thoughtful, principled, and occasionally uncomfortable.
February 23, 2021
With an eloquent writing style, Fali Nariman explains the nuances of Indian law. Employing a humourous tone, he succeeds in giving a frank disposition of courtroom banter, historical anecdotes via extensive referencing. With initial chapter a bit technical, the latter chapters become a delight for the uninitiated. With inclusion of frequently debated topics of role of Chief Justice and seniority while appointment in judges, the book is much helpful to understand if the reader makes some efforts to read about the judgements quoted when the writer makes a point. Special mention for the chapter dedicated to Justice Krishna Iyer. Though a oft repeated name in the judicial circles, it was a pleasure knowing the contributions of "Super Judge" of India.
February 23, 2024
"The race is over but the work is never while the power to work remains"- F. Nariman
summary of Nariman's proposed reforms to improve the Supreme Court's effectiveness, transparency, and accountability:
Limit judicial activism:Stick to interpreting the Constitution, avoid overstepping boundaries.
Reform the collegium:Make judge selection more transparent and involve external parties.
Increase judicial accountability:Establish mechanisms to hold judges responsible.
Streamline procedures: Reduce court delays through technology and efficient systems.
Boost judicial diversity:Ensure judges represent India's diverse population.
summary of Nariman's proposed reforms to improve the Supreme Court's effectiveness, transparency, and accountability:
Limit judicial activism:Stick to interpreting the Constitution, avoid overstepping boundaries.
Reform the collegium:Make judge selection more transparent and involve external parties.
Increase judicial accountability:Establish mechanisms to hold judges responsible.
Streamline procedures: Reduce court delays through technology and efficient systems.
Boost judicial diversity:Ensure judges represent India's diverse population.
August 10, 2018
Author narrates the importance of constitution well mingling it with his experience of several decades of legal practice and also the opinions of luminaries in the field from the world over. To be vigilant in a democracy one needs to be well versed with the intricacies and implications of our constitution, which the author does well.
April 27, 2020
A book by one of the finest legal minds in India. This book will interest you more if you are a lawyer of somebody from a law background. In my experience, I did not feel like taking a pause while reading this book. The author has put up his thoughts regarding controversial cases involving the Supreme Court quite lucidly.
June 4, 2020
It was difficult to understand what is conveyed at times for a lay person who wants to understand and know about their own supreme Court. Took a lot of time to Google what is conveyed. So yeah it gave me this book was meant for llb academia or lawyers for a lay person not so much. So I deduct 2 stars and give 3.
October 20, 2023
A Good read to understand the recent functioning of the Supreme Court.
March 12, 2022
It is worth reading to grasp the concepts of the Constitution via cases & facts. A book was written by a senior advocate with a thorough understanding of the constitution, complete with facts & sarcasm. It discusses the relationship between journalism and liberty "Freedom of speech is guaranteed in our written constitution, but there is no freedom after speech." The concept of majority and minority is used to provide a perspective on the Kerala Education Bill. If you're considering a career as a lawyer, go for it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews