The Parsi community of Secunderabad and Hyderabad honoured retired Justice Rohinton Nariman at the Parsi Dharamsala on 14^th February, 2025. A distinguished legal mind, Justice Nariman is also a scholar of Zoroastrianism, comparative religion, history, and Western classical music – a field he might have pursued professionally if he had not chosen law.

Homi D. Chenoy, Honorary Secretary of PZASH (Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman of Secunderabad and Hyderabad), presented Justice Nariman with a memento. Rohinton Nariman’s speech was well received by the audience which comprised members of the Parsi community of the twin cities, as well as prominent advocates and upcoming lawyers of Hyderabad. Opening with humor, he referenced the acronym ‘KISS – Keep It Short, Stupid’ and went on to deliver an insightful talk on religion and law. He engaged the audience with thought-provoking statements, including “All men are brothers who customs have divided” and “The basic structure of our Constitution cannot be dislodged.”

In a light-hearted moment, when asked about reincarnation, he quipped, “I would like to be reborn as a pet in a Parsi household,” highlighting the community’s affection for dogs. On the Uniform Civil Code, he remarked, “It’s a good idea, but not in the present moment, where it could be used to target minorities.” Following the event, guests enjoyed a lavish dinner featuring Hyderabadi delicacies.

Earlier that day, Justice Nariman, an ordained Zoroastrian priest, visited the three fire temples of Secunderabad and Hyderabad. He also addressed a Telangana High Court Advocates Association seminar, speaking extempore for over an hour on Constitutional provisions and landmark judgments. He elaborated on the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding Union and State powers over mineral regulation and taxation, demonstrating his deep legal expertise.

Justice Rohinton Nariman was appointed to the Supreme Court on July 7, 2014. Son of eminent jurist Fali S. Nariman, his career spanned Mumbai, New York, and Delhi. After retirement, he launched the Justice Nariman Official Channel on YouTube, featuring lectures on law, history, and spirituality. An ordained priest, he authored The Inner Fire and An Ode to Fraternity. His landmark judgments have significantly influenced Indian law.