Description

Justice S. Murtaza Fazal Ali

A respected figure in the Indian legal system, Justice S. Murtaza Fazal Ali's career spanned various roles, from advocate to Chief Justice and Supreme Court Judge. Justice Ali was born on December 20, 1920, and his early education included studies at St. Joseph Convent, Patna, followed by schooling at Patna Collegiate School. He matriculated in 1936 and obtained his B.A. (Hons.) in English in 1940. Furthering his academic pursuits, he attended I.C.S. Coaching Classes at Aligarh University from 1942 to 1943 and later earned his B.L. from Patna University with honors. Justice Ali was enrolled as an Advocate on November 8, 1944, and practiced in civil, criminal, original, and constitutional law in both the High Court and subordinate courts. He also served on the panel of State Lawyers. His judicial career began with his appointment as a Judge of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir on April 9, 1958, and he later became the Chief Justice of the same High Court in December 1967. In addition to his judicial responsibilities, Justice Ali served as Chairman of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal in 1971, Vice-Chairman of the Amar Singh Club, Srinagar, and a Member of the Nehru Award Jury from February 1972 to February 1975. Justice Ali's career culminated with his appointment as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on April 2, 1975. He also authored several publications related to law, including collections of questions and answers from Patna University Law Examinations covering contracts, torts, crimes, Hindu Law, and Mahomedan Law.