Noted senior advocate Iqbal Chagla, 86, passed away on Sunday afternoon. Son of the first chief justice of Bombay High Court of independent India, Mahomedali Currim Chagla, was unwell. 

Father of sitting judge, Justice Riyaz Chagla, senior Chagla was also elected as the president of the Bombay Bar Association (BBA) thrice. 

A statement was issued by the BBA confirming the demise. It read: “Mr. I. M. Chagla’s contributions to the legal field are immeasurable and his legacy will forever be remembered. His dedication, integrity, and excellence has inspired countless legal professionals. The Bombay Bar Association mourns the loss of a true champion of human rights and protector of the rule of law. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.” 

Born in 1939, Chagla obtained an MA in History and Law from Cambridge University. He started practise in the Bombay High Court and started his practice with the famous Kharshedji Hormasji Bhabha. He was conferred with Senior Advocate's designation in 1979. He held the office of the president of the BBA thrice, from 1990 to 1999. He also served as a Member of the Executive Committee of the Bar Association of India and a Member of the National Legal Services Authority (NLSA), Delhi. 

He was offered judgeship thrice - twice by the Bombay High Court and once by the Supreme Court. However, he turned down the offer. Had he accepted the offer, he would have become the Chief Justice of India.