Mumbai, Jan 13 (Reporter) Senior advocate Iqbal Chagla has passed away on Monday afternoon after a period of ill health. He was 86. A large number of legal fraternity and members from the various fields attended the funeral, which took place as per Parsi rites. Chagla, the son of Mahommedali Currim Chagla, the first Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court of independent India, died due to prolonged illness. 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. Chagla was highly regarded for his expertise in civil litigation, company law, and international arbitration. Known for his integrity and gentle demeanour, 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 demeanour, his fairness, and his integrity. He has been a champion of defending human rights and a fierce fighter for upholding the rule of law. Above all, he was a gentleman and a great human being. The Bombay Bar Association has lost a stalwart, and his loss is immense." 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...////...