Maharashtra
Iqbal Chagla Passes Away At 86: The Legal Luminary And Champion Of Human Rights

Senior advocate Iqbal Chagla, 86, passed away on Sunday afternoon after a period of ill health. The son of Mahommedali Currim Chagla, the first Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court of independent India, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the legal fraternity.
Chagla, father of sitting Bombay High Court judge, Justice Riyaz Chagla, served as the president of the Bombay Bar Association (BBA) three times.
Born in 1939, he earned an MA in History and Law from Cambridge University before beginning his practice at the Bombay High Court. He trained under the renowned Kharshedji Hormasji Bhabha and was designated a Senior Advocate in 1979. Between 1990 and 1999, he served as the BBA president and held other prominent roles, including as a Member of the Executive Committee of the Bar Association of India and the National Legal Services Authority (NLSA).
Despite being offered a judgeship thrice — twice by the Bombay High Court and once by the Supreme Court — Chagla declined, potentially forfeiting an opportunity to become the Chief Justice of India.
During his tenure as BBA president, Chagla played a pivotal role in calling for the resignation of four Bombay HC judges over allegations of impropriety. The BBA passed a resolution under his leadership, resulting in some judges resigning and others being transferred.
Chagla was highly regarded for his expertise in civil litigation, company law, and international arbitration. Known for his integrity and gentle demeanor, he was a sought-after counsel who often argued complex and high-profile cases.
BBA president Nitin Thakker described Chagla as a stalwart of the legal fraternity and a champion of human rights. “He has been an inspiration for so many young lawyers due to his court demeanor, his fairness and his integrity. He has been a champion of defending human rights and a fierce fighter for upholding rule of law. Above all he was a gentleman and a great human being. Bombay Bar Association has lost a stalwart and his loss is immense.”
Former BBA president Rajiv Chavan lauded Chagla’s legal brilliance and sportsmanship. “He was an outstanding lawyer, humane, and a cricket enthusiast. His loss will be deeply felt in the legal community and beyond. Despite his perfectionism, he was always kind and approachable.” Reminiscing how, Chagla had been kind to him, Chavan said the late senior advocate guided and inspired everyone to achieve greater things.
The BBA issued a statement mourning Chagla’s demise: “Mr. I.M. Chagla’s contributions to the legal field are immeasurable. His dedication, integrity, and excellence have inspired generations of legal professionals. We extend our condolences to his family in this difficult time.”
Chagla’s funeral will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Worli Crematorium in Mumbai.
Notable Cases
Chagla represented Nestlé India during the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) ban on Maggi noodles, successfully arguing for the export of the product despite the ban in the Indian market.
He also handled the high-profile legal dispute between corporate lawyers Cyril and Shardul Shroff over their mother’s will, leading to the amicable division of their firm, Amarchand Mangaldas, into two entities.
In 2004, he represented Dr. Anahita Pandole in a pioneering Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against illegal hoardings in Mumbai.
After the 26/11 terror attacks, Chagla, representing the Society of Indian Law Firms, filed a PIL seeking the establishment of a Citizens Coordination Committee to monitor and advise on safety measures in Mumbai.
A towering figure in Indian law, Iqbal Chagla will be remembered for his legal acumen, unwavering integrity, and his dedication to upholding the rule of law.
Maharashtra
NCP leader Baba Siddiqui murder case mastermind Zeeshan Akhtar arrested in Canada, Mumbai Crime Branch hopes for further progress in investigation, 26 accused arrested so far

Mumbai: Mumbai Crime Branch sources have confirmed the arrest of Zeeshan Akhtar, the main accused and mastermind of the murder of senior NCP leader Baba Siddiqui, in Canada and preparations for his extradition have also been started. Zeeshan Akhtar is the accused of carrying out the murder conspiracy and was in contact with the shooters. In this case, Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested a total of 26 accused and a charge sheet has been filed against them under MCOCA. Zeeshan Akhtar was in contact with Shubham Lonkar and he was also in contact with Anmol Bishnoi.
Zeeshan is also accused of helping the shooters. Zeeshan had earlier claimed to have taken refuge with gangster Shahzad Bhatti in Pakistan, but the investigating agency claims that he made this claim to mislead the Crime Branch and investigating agencies, while he went to Canada via Nepal on a fake passport and his arrest in the fake passport case will be made in Canada itself. Interpol had also issued a red corner notice for Zeeshan, along with this his search was also going on. Shubham Lonkar, a prime accused in this case, is still absconding. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang took responsibility for the murder of Baba Siddiqui and Anmol Bishnoi had planned it and Zeeshan was in contact with him.
Many of the 26 accused arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch in this case have made important revelations in this case, while after the arrest of Zeeshan, the Crime Branch has got a big success in this case and now further progress is certain in the Baba Siddiqui murder case. After the murder of Baba Siddiqui, it was sensationally revealed that Baba Siddiqui is a close and trusted friend of film actor Salman Khan, which is why he was on the target of Lawrence Bishnoi. Along with this, Baba Siddiqui’s son Zeeshan Siddiqui has received threats many times. Along with this, the police has also increased the security of Zeeshan Siddiqui. How long Zeeshan stayed in Nepal after the murder and with whom he was in contact are also important aspects of the investigation. The Crime Branch has started preparing documents for Zeeshan’s extradition and soon the Mumbai Crime Branch will bring Zeeshan to Mumbai.
Maharashtra
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticizes Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while addressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting here today, termed the allegations of Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi against the Election Commission of India (EC) as baseless and said that Rahul Gandhi had not complained to the Election Commission regarding this but his cell had corresponded with the Election Commission regarding this. The Election Commission has sent a 60-page reply to all the objections, despite this, Rahul Gandhi is lying. His job is to lie. He said that Operation Sindoor is a source of pride for the country and cannot be questioned, but people are also questioning it. Several political leaders have different opinions on this. Someone hides something in the newspaper.
The Chief Minister said that the economy of 25 crore people has improved and they have risen above the poverty line. To say that some people have benefited is to say that some people earn a few paise more, but even the last person has got an opportunity. The country’s economy is developing rapidly. Devendra Fadnavis refused to say anything on Jayant Patil’s resignation from the responsibilities of the state president, but he did say this much that it is necessary to understand why Jayant Patil expressed his desire to resign from all responsibilities.
Maharashtra
Missing girl from Mahim recovered from Dharavi

Mumbai: After searching for a missing girl in Mahim area, Mumbai Police handed her over to her parents. Complainant Sitara Mohammad Amin (33), who lives in Raheja slum under the limits of Mahim police station, said that her daughter had left the house to get milk for her brother and she did not reach home. Her mother searched for her everywhere and then the police suspected that someone had kidnapped her. After registering a case in this matter, the police started searching for the girl and two teams of Mahim and Shahu Nagar police were formed. On examining the CCTV footage, it was found that the girl had gone towards Dharavi. On this, the girl was recovered from Dharavi’s Badi Masjid and handed over to her parents. This action was taken under the guidance of senior officers including Additional Commissioner Vikram Deshmukh, DCP Ganesh Gawade.
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