End of an era: renowned Indian Muslim scholar AG Noorani passes away at 94

Noorani’s seminal works include “The Kashmir Question” and “Article 370: A Constitutional History of Jammu and Kashmir,” and “The RSS: A Menace To India”

Muslim Network TV Desk

MUMBAI, India (MNTV) –  AG Noorani, a towering figure in Indian scholarship and a leading authority on Kashmir and India-Pakistan relations, passed away at his home in Mumbai at the age of 94.

His death marks the end of an era in Indian intellectual and legal circles, leaving behind a rich legacy of legal expertise, historical insight, and political commentary that will continue to influence generations.

Born Abdul Ghafoor Majeed Noorani on September 16, 1930, in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), Noorani’s life was dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and justice.

His educational journey began at St. Mary’s, a Jesuit school in Mumbai, before he earned his law degree from the prestigious Government Law College in Mumbai.

His legal career spanned the highest echelons of India’s judicial system, including the Supreme Court of India and the Bombay High Court, where he earned a reputation for his sharp legal acumen and unwavering commitment to justice.

Noorani was one of the few remaining experts on the Indian Constitution from his generation, widely respected for his deep understanding of constitutional law.

He was instrumental in shaping discussions on Article 370, the constitutional provision that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and his scholarly works have been crucial in understanding the complex legal and political dimensions of the Kashmir issue.

Beyond the courtroom, Noorani was a prolific writer whose works have left an indelible mark on Indian political thought.

His insightful columns graced the pages of prominent publications such as the Hindustan Times, The Hindu, Dawn, The Statesman, Frontline, Economic and Political Weekly, and Dainik Bhaskar.

Starting his writing career in the early 1960s, Noorani authored thousands of articles that explored the intricate interplay between law, politics, and society in India.

Noorani’s extensive body of work includes influential books such as “The Kashmir Question” and “Article 370: A Constitutional History of Jammu and Kashmir,” which are considered seminal in the field of Indian constitutional law.

His other seminal work “The RSS: A Menace To India”, is a magisterial study of the ultra-Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that is believed to be patron organisation of all Hindu extremist outfits includign India’s rulign Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP).

With scrupulous and voluminous evidence, Noorani, builds a watertight case to show how the RSS is much more than a threat to communal amity. It poses a wider challenge. It is a threat to democratic governance and, even worse, a menace to India. It threatens the very soul of India.

And yet, despite its reach and seemingly overwhelming political influence, he shows that the RSS can be defeated. The soul of India can be rescued.

His other notable works include “Badruddin Tyabji,” “Ministers’ Misconduct,” “Brezhnev’s Plan for Asian Security,” “The Presidential System,” “The Trial of Bhagat Singh,” “Constitutional Questions in India,” and “The RSS and the BJP: A Division of Labour.”

These works reflect his deep commitment to documenting and analyzing the historical and political landscapes of India.

He also penned biographies of significant figures such as Badruddin Tyabji and Dr. Zakir Husain, demonstrating his skill as a meticulous historian and biographer. His writings have not only informed but also shaped public discourse on some of the most contentious and critical issues facing India.

His legal and scholarly work significantly impacted political developments in India, particularly in Kashmir. He is believed to have played a crucial role in shaping the so-called “Kashmir formula” proposed by Pakistan’s former President Pervez Musharraf, highlighting his international recognition and influence.

Tributes poured in from across the globe following his passing.

Prominent Muslim leader Asaduddin Owaisi expressed his grief on social media, stating, “AG Noorani, a giant among scholars has passed away. I learnt a great deal from him, from the constitution, to Kashmir, to China & even the art of appreciating good food. May Allah grant him maghfirah.”

AG Noorani’s passing is a significant loss to the academic and legal communities. His work as a historian, lawyer, and commentator will continue to inspire and guide future scholars and legal minds.

As a figure who bridged the worlds of law, politics, and history, Noorani’s contributions to Indian intellectual life are invaluable, and his legacy will undoubtedly endure for years to come.

His life’s work remains a beacon for those who seek to understand and engage with the complex realities of India’s political and legal landscape.