A.G. Noorani is remembered as an intellectual who upheld the principles of democracy and constitutionalism throughout his long and distinguished career.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu Archives

Renowned lawyer, constitutional expert, and prolific author who made significant contributions to legal scholarship and political discourse in India for over six decades, A.G. Noorani is no more. A long-term contributor to Frontline, Noorani was widely respected for his insightful analysis on constitutional and human rights issues.

Born in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1930, Abdul Ghafoor Abdul Majeed Noorani began his career as a lawyer in the Bombay High Court in 1953. Though he practised law, Noorani devoted much of his time to writing on legal, political, and historical topics. His sharp intellect and deep knowledge of constitutional matters made him a sought-after commentator on Indian politics and jurisprudence.

Noorani was a regular contributor to leading publications like Economic & Political Weekly, The Hindustan Times, and The Statesman. However, it was his association with Frontline magazine, which began in the 1980s, that brought his incisive writing to a wide audience. His column “Constitutional Questions” ran for over three decades and was known for its meticulous research and balanced analysis of complex legal issues.

As an author, Noorani penned over a dozen books on various aspects of Indian constitutional law, politics, and history. Some of his notable works include The Kashmir Question (1964), Ministers’ Misconduct (1973), Constitutional Questions and Citizens’ Rights (2006), and The RSS: A Menace to India (2019). His writings often took a critical look at government overreach and erosion of democratic norms.

Noorani was known for his strong advocacy of civil liberties and secularism. He was a vocal critic of laws that he believed infringed on fundamental rights, such as preventive detention laws and restrictions on freedom of expression. His legal expertise made him a respected voice in debates on judicial reforms and accountability.

Though he never held any official position, Noorani’s opinions carried weight in legal and political circles. He was often consulted on constitutional matters and his writings were cited in academic works and even Supreme Court judgments.

Noorani leaves behind a rich legacy of constitutional scholarship and political commentary. He is remembered as an intellectual who upheld the principles of democracy and constitutionalism throughout his long and distinguished career.

While revered in progressive and liberal circles, Noorani was not without his critics. Some felt his views were too idealistic or out of step with changing political realities. Nonetheless, his commitment to constitutional values and rigorous analysis earned him respect across the political spectrum.

Here’s a curated list of articles Noorani wrote for Frontline. We have kept them outside the paywall to honour the genius that he was. Please read them and share your comments.

NEW YORK:

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has once again declared mpox a global public health emergency, marking the second time in two years that the virus has reached this level of international concern. This declaration comes in response to an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has rapidly spread to neighboring countries, prompting WHO’s highest level of alert.

On Wednesday, an emergency committee convened to advise WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on whether the current outbreak meets the criteria for a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC). The PHEIC designation is used by WHO to signal the need for urgent international action, including accelerated research, funding, and coordinated public health efforts to contain the disease.

Tedros emphasised the importance of a global response, stating, “A coordinated international effort is crucial to stop these outbreaks and save lives.” Mpox, which spreads through close contact, is generally mild but can be fatal in rare cases. The virus typically presents with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the skin.

The current outbreak in Congo originated from an endemic strain known as clade I. However, a new variant, clade Ib, has emerged, spreading more easily through routine close contact, including sexual contact. This new variant has moved beyond the borders of Congo, affecting countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, which led to the WHO’s emergency action.

Tedros expressed deep concern about the rapid spread of this new clade, particularly in regions that had not previously reported mpox cases. He highlighted the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

To address the outbreak, WHO has already released $1.5 million in contingency funds and plans to mobilize more resources. The initial response plan will require an estimated $15 million, and WHO intends to appeal to donors for additional support. The outbreak has been particularly severe in Congo, where Africa’s top public health body recently declared an mpox emergency. This year alone, over 17,000 suspected cases and more than 500 deaths, primarily among children, have been reported.

Professor Dimie Ogoina, chair of WHO’s mpox emergency committee, described the situation as “extraordinary,” noting the record number of cases in Congo. While vaccines and behavior change previously helped contain a different strain of mpox in 2022, the current transmission routes in Congo require further investigation. WHO is working on vaccine availability and targeting, and has called on countries with stockpiles to donate doses to aid in the response.