The Man Who Saved Indian Democracy || Nanabhoy Palkhivala

Sujata Sharma -   / sujata555  


Born in Bombay (now Mumbai), Palkhivala hailed from a Parsi working class family, and went on to become a household name in India. His father was in the palkhi (palanquins) business, and hence the surname Palkhivala.

Palkhivala’s schooling was in the city’s Tutorial High School. A brilliant student, after matriculation, he joined the St Xavier’s College, and completed his masters in English literature. Palkhivala applied for a lecturer’s post in the Bombay University, but a Parsi lady was appointed to the post. Thereafter, he enrolled at the Government Law College. Had Palkhivala got the lecturer’s post, Bombay University would have got a brilliant lecturer, but the world of law would have been a loser.

Palkhivala had the good fortune of joining the chambers of the great Jamshedji Kanga in Bombay. He had no godfathers in the profession. His rise was meteoric. Within a couple of years, he was briefed in every important matter in the Bombay High Court. Palkhivala was also a part-time lecturer in Government Law College, Bombay. He endeared himself to the students by his clear exposition of the subject, the Law of Evidence, with a dash of humour and wit. His was one class that students did not bunk. Indeed, they all wished that his lecture would go on beyond the allotted time.

Written & Narrated By - Sujata Sharma
Edited & Directed By - Deepak Roach