MR MS SANGHAVI
President, Bombay Bar Association
Addressing the House of 116 members who attended the meeting, Mr Sanghavi spoke of Mr Rahimtoola’s sudden death on May 22 of a heart attack while on holiday in Sikkim. He was a powerful and forceful Advocate.
He schooled at the Cathedral & John Connon High School in Bombay and went on to get his BA from St Xavier’s College and his LL.B from the Government Law College, Bombay University. He articled with Mr Mahendra Ghelani in the firm of M/s Romer Dadachanji and Sethna. He enrolled in 1977 and qualified as a Solicitor in 1978. He was admitted to partnership in Romer Dadachanji & Sethna in 1979. A few years later, in 1987, he became a partner in the firm of Law Charter on a reorganisation of the old firm. In 1995 he set up a proprietorship firm, Apex Juris.
He did not confirm himself to practice as a Solicitor but also argued his own cases in a variety of branches of law and in different courts. He worked on several pro bono matters in the public interest. He was passionate about the law. His hobbies were diverse and ranged from jazz to cricket and crime fiction.
Mr Sanghavi extended his condolences to Mr Rahimtoola’s mother, Rita, his spouse, Armin Wandrewala and to Armin’s mother.
MR RA DADA
Vice-President, Bombay Bar Association
“Every summer one fears a tragedy,” Mr Dada said. The summer of 2002 was perhaps one of the worst. Between April and June, we lost no less than four members. June brought truly horrific news, difficult to believe. One could hardly accept that Shiraz was no longer amongst us. But that was ever his greatest asset and most acute failing -- he always over-extended himself, right from his days in college, where he was much loved and had a wide circle of friends. Even then, while others relaxed and enjoyed themselves, Shiraz would work late through the night completing whatever assignment he had taken on. He was, above all, well-mannered and an excellent Advocate. Mr Dada expressed his sorrow and extended his condolences to the family.
MR ASPI CHINOY
Senior Advocate
“It is difficult to speak in a few minutes of an association of so many years.” Mr Aspi Chinoy recalled his friendship with Shiraz Rahimtoola which went back to their days at St Xavier’s College. “He taught me how to drive,” said Mr Chinoy, “a fact for which many continued to hold him entirely responsible for years after.” Shiraz was a man fazed by nothing -- he just simply went ahead and did what he thought was right. He was one of life’s do-ers and spent an enormous amount of time and energy in pursuing his objectives. He always gave everything of itself; inevitably, it took its toLl. He was a good person and a good friend. “I will miss my friend,” said Mr Chinoy.
MR TN SUBRAMANIAM
Advocate
Mr Subramaniam echoed Mr Chinoy’s sentiments about his friendship with Shiraz Rahimtoola. “Aspi was luckier that he knew him for three years more than I,” said Mr Subramaniam, recalling Mr Rahimtoola’s dedication, verve an clarity of mind. He spoke about his strong bond with Shiraz and how they would go out of an evening. Incredibly, their last conversation was about health when Shiraz said he was finally paying more attention to his own. Alas, it was not enough.
RESOLUTION
Mr Sanghavi then proposed the following resolution, which was duly seconded and passed unanimously.
“This House mourns the sad demise of Mr Shiraz Rahimtoola and expresses its heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
The House observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the deceased.