<p>Chief Justice of India N V Ramana on Sunday described jurist Soli Sorabjee as a champion of constitutional rights whose untimely death due to Covid was a complete shock.</p>.<p>In his tribute to Sorabjee who passed away on April 30 at the age of 91, the CJI said, he was a man with an unflinching faith in the Constitutional ideals, particularly those relating to the freedom of speech and human rights.</p>.<p>"His spirit and confidence in the constitutional ethos of this country, and his never-ending quest for justice should be our guide. A true tribute to Soli would be to continue to uphold the Constitutional values- the fundamental rights and freedom that are essential for human existence in a civilized society. People like Soli continue to live in our memories," he said.</p>.<p>The CJI was speaking on memorial service organised by Sorabjee's family on Sunday.</p>.<p>Recalling his association with Soli in early years of his career as a lawyer, the CJI said, "I had the opportunity to personally witness Soli’s brilliance. In 1988, I met Soli to brief him on a matter relating to the then Chief Minister of my State. Even before I started briefing him, I realised that he had already read the entire file and had the details of the case at his fingertips, which reflected his dedication to the brief."</p>.<p>"The briefing lasted just 5 minutes, in which Soli asked me only two questions. To my surprise, at the hearing, those were the very same questions posed by the bench to Soli. I thought I had seen a prophet in action. I must admit that he was one of those who inspired me to continue in the profession," he added.</p>.<p>Justice Ramana said Sorabjee was a defender of civil liberties during the tough Emergency era. He played a crucial role in some of the most iconic cases which have defined the legal landscape of this great nation. Justices U U Lalit and D Y Chandrachud and several eminent lawyers including Harish Salve, Gopal Subramanium, Arvind Data and Sorabjee's daughter Zia Mody also shared their thoughts on the occasion.</p>
<p>Chief Justice of India N V Ramana on Sunday described jurist Soli Sorabjee as a champion of constitutional rights whose untimely death due to Covid was a complete shock.</p>.<p>In his tribute to Sorabjee who passed away on April 30 at the age of 91, the CJI said, he was a man with an unflinching faith in the Constitutional ideals, particularly those relating to the freedom of speech and human rights.</p>.<p>"His spirit and confidence in the constitutional ethos of this country, and his never-ending quest for justice should be our guide. A true tribute to Soli would be to continue to uphold the Constitutional values- the fundamental rights and freedom that are essential for human existence in a civilized society. People like Soli continue to live in our memories," he said.</p>.<p>The CJI was speaking on memorial service organised by Sorabjee's family on Sunday.</p>.<p>Recalling his association with Soli in early years of his career as a lawyer, the CJI said, "I had the opportunity to personally witness Soli’s brilliance. In 1988, I met Soli to brief him on a matter relating to the then Chief Minister of my State. Even before I started briefing him, I realised that he had already read the entire file and had the details of the case at his fingertips, which reflected his dedication to the brief."</p>.<p>"The briefing lasted just 5 minutes, in which Soli asked me only two questions. To my surprise, at the hearing, those were the very same questions posed by the bench to Soli. I thought I had seen a prophet in action. I must admit that he was one of those who inspired me to continue in the profession," he added.</p>.<p>Justice Ramana said Sorabjee was a defender of civil liberties during the tough Emergency era. He played a crucial role in some of the most iconic cases which have defined the legal landscape of this great nation. Justices U U Lalit and D Y Chandrachud and several eminent lawyers including Harish Salve, Gopal Subramanium, Arvind Data and Sorabjee's daughter Zia Mody also shared their thoughts on the occasion.</p>