Abdul Ghafoor Majeed Noorani, well known as AG Noorani passed away on 29 August, 18 days short of his 94th birthday.

Noorani practised as an advocate in the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court of India. Also a Muslim Scholar and political commentator, Noorani was known for his passion for Kashmir. He was an expert on the socio-politics of Jammu and Kashmir and India-Pakistan affairs. His interest in Kashmir was a part of his existence and his defence for Shaikh Abdullah was well known in legal and political circles.

He was known for his grasp of the Constitution and his scholarly prowess, which made him find references or documents within minutes, as he was exceptional at preserving documents. This made him an authoritative source amng academicians, lawyers and politicians.

Noorani, born on 16 September 1930 in Bombay, did his schooling from a Jesuit School, St Mary's and completed his law degree from Government Law College, Mumbai.

His tryst with Kashmir began with the defence of Shaikh Abdullah in 1958 during his long period of detention. This was destiny, as it made him come into close contact with leaders in Kashmir and made him a prominent authority on the region making Kashmir more than just a professional commitment for him. He also played a critical role in the "Kashmir Formula" that was an Indian proposal backed by General (Late) Pervez Musharraf that envisaged a peaceful solution without amending the geographical boundaries.

Noorani also appeared in the Bombay High Court as counsel for M Karunanidhi,the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, against the leaders political rival, Jayalalitha.

Source: Resources