Books by and on Nani A. Palkhivala

24 Jan 2026

Blog by:
Jayprakash B. Somani
Advocate, Supreme Court of India & IP
Cell: PA 9322188701
Website: www.jayprakashsomani.com
Website: www.supremecourtlawfirm.com

Books Authored or Edited by Nani A. Palkhivala

These are works authored or edited by Nani A. Palkhivala himself and reflect his legal, constitutional, economic and philosophical thinking.

1. Our Constitution Defaced and Defiled

A powerful critique of attempts to undermine constitutional values after the Emergency era.
Authored by Nani A. Palkhivala; first published in 1974.
A classic exposition on the importance of protecting Fundamental Rights.

2. We, the People

A seminal work on the spirit and philosophy of India’s Constitution.
First published in 1984.
Remains a must-read for understanding constitutional democracy.

3. We, the Nation – The Lost Decades

Published in 1994.
Continues Palkhivala’s critique on governance, civil liberties and national priorities.

4. Nani Palkhivala — Selected Writings

Compilation of essays and articles.
Selected and edited by L. M. Singhvi, M. R. Pai and S. Ramakrishnan.
Offers insight into his writings on law, policy and public life.

5. India’s Priceless Heritage

Focuses on India’s cultural and legal heritage.
Emphasizes its importance to a democratic society.
First published in 1980.

6. Essential Unity of All Religions

A philosophical work exploring religious harmony and constitutional pluralism.
First published in 1990.

7. Nani A. Palkhivala: Early Writings (1937–1947)

LexisNexis edition published in 2023.
Contains early writings and articles reflecting his formative constitutional, economic and legal thought.
Compiled by the Nani A. Palkhivala Memorial Trust.
Provides rare insight into his adolescent ideas and early influence.

Books About Nani A. Palkhivala

These volumes were authored by scholars, practitioners and contemporaries to document, analyze and celebrate his life, advocacy and constitutional impact.

8. Nani A. Palkhivala – A Life

Biography by M. V. Kamath.
Comprehensive account of his personal life, legal career and constitutional battles.
Chronicles his journey from a brilliant lawyer to a constitutional stalwart.

9. A Judiciary Made to Measure

Edited and published by Nani A. Palkhivala in 1973.
Now reprinted by the Nani A. Palkhivala Memorial Trust.
Focuses on the judiciary’s role and the need for constitutional fidelity.

10. Nani Palkhivala: The Courtroom Genius

Authored by Soli J. Sorabjee and Arvind P. Datar.
Narrates his legal journey, major constitutional, tax and public law cases.
Provides insight into his courtroom style and advocacy brilliance.

11. The Wit and Wisdom of Nani A. Palkhivala

Compiled by Jignesh R. Shah.
Introduction by Y. H. Malegam.
Includes quotations from his speeches and writings arranged subject-wise.
Available in a concise and readable format.

12. Essays & Reminiscences: A Festschrift in Honour of Nani A. Palkhivala (1920–2002)

Edited by Arvind P. Datar, Justice Sujata Manohar, Justice S. N. Variava and others.
Collection of scholarly essays and personal reminiscences.
Celebrates his contributions to law, policy and legal ethics.

13. Nani Palkhivala: A Tribute

Edited by Kumar Nilendra.
Features tributes and reflections by eminent jurists, scholars and contemporaries.
Includes essays on his impact on law and constitutionalism.

14. Nani Palkhivala – Selected Writings (Earlier Editions)

Edited by L. M. Singhvi, M. R. Pai and S. Ramakrishnan.
Frequently cited in bibliographies.
Covers constitutional, economic and civil liberties themes.

15. Other Lesser-Known or Tribute Works

Nani Palkhivala – A Role Model by Major General Narendra Kumar
Nani Palkhivala: God’s Gift to India by Dharmendra Bhandari
The Legend of Nani Palkhivala by M. R. Pai
Nani Palkhivala – A Miscellany by Suresh Balakrishnan
100 Witty Quotes (various editors)
Listed in centenary tributes and scholarly bibliographies

Notes and Context

Some books are authored by Palkhivala and focus on constitutional philosophy, civil liberties, taxation and national governance.
Others are biographies or commemorative collections that explore his life, advocacy style and judicial philosophy.
Several tribute volumes were published by the Nani A. Palkhivala Memorial Trust, which also organizes annual lectures and promotes scholarly study of his work.