"Warm-hearted, larger than life": Legal fraternity mourns the demise of Rajiv Luthra

The recent passing of Rajiv Luthra, Founder and Managing Partner of Luthra and Luthra Law Offices, has deeply saddened the legal fraternity, given his larger than life personality.

A first generation lawyer, Luthra set up the firm Luthra and Luthra in 1990, and went on to have a successful professional career spanning over three decades.

He had been identified as “one of the most highly acclaimed legal experts” in the Asia-Pacific region in the field of Capital Markets & Corporate Finance by Asia Law Leading Lawyers.

Lawyer.com listed among its top 40 people making the biggest waves outside the UK and Asia Business Legal featured him in “ALB’s Hot 100” in recognition of his contribution to the Capital Markets sector.

Many lawyers took to social media to mourn the veteran lawyer's demise and to reflect on their fond memories of him.

The common thread that ran through these musings was Luthra's magnanimity and strong ties with his peers and juniors.

Speaking to Bar & Bench, renowned senior counsel Fali S Nariman expressed his grief at the loss of a good friend stating that his loss will be deeply mourned by him as also his colleagues in the legal profession.

"Rajiv was a great lawyer, and more importantly, a good friend. Apart from his manifold talents, he also had a robust sense of fun and humour", he said.

Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas Founder & Co Executive Chairman Shardul S Shroff also expressed his anguish, saying,

"I lost a friend and well-wisher late night yesterday. God has cruelly snatched from our midst a regal soul, truly rich with all the best qualities of mankind. He was a friend of friends, loving and open-hearted, welcoming everyone into his large heart."

He went on to discuss their close friendship and Luthra's infectious joy,

"He was my ‘Shriman Dildaar’. His sterling quality of transferring happiness and joy to others was extremely rare in our world. He was ever-smiling despite a life-changing accident several decades ago; and that indomitable spirit was so clearly embodying of his soul. He was so positive in everything that he did and he celebrated and adorned life as meted out to him. Such people are rare and I am indeed grateful to God for having met him and known him closely. Truly it would be said: Here lies a friend. When comes such another."

Shroff added that he was blessed just to have known Luthra.

Managing Partner of Bhasin & Co and SILF president Lalit Bhasin spoke of Luthra's uniquely ineffable charm, gentle persuasiveness and his inimitable sense of humour.

"A dear friend is no more, but friendship does not die. Rajiv will always remain in my thoughts. A friend of friends who always believed in going the extra mile to help those around him. For his colleagues in the profession, he was extremely helpful in promoting the young members of the Bar and also the law students in various law colleges of the country. No event of the legal profession in the country would be complete without the charming, ever-smiling and amiable presence of Rajiv," Bhasin said.

He added that Luthra's strong ties to his family were the source of his strength.

"His wife Gayatri and their two daughters would carry on with Rajiv’s legacy and would not allow it to fade away."

Shedding light on Luthra's professional achievements, Bhasin credited his efforts of showcasing the Indian legal profession, and particularly law firms, to the international legal and business community.

"Be it any jurisdiction, whether China, Singapore, UAE, London, US or Japan, Rajiv Luthra’s name was acknowledged everywhere with respect and regard. He showed and proved to the outside world that the Indian legal profession is second to none in the world in terms of knowledge, competence, technology, expertise and expeditious disposal."

Bhasin ended by remarking that Luthra was an accomplished lawyer and an incredible human.

"We have lost a crusader who was defending the turf of professional rights of lawyers and firms of India. Unlike in the past when he would bounce back after setbacks in health and otherwise, this time he would not physically bounce back, but his boundless energy would keep on propelling all of us to carry on with his immortalized legacy."

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi spoke of Luthra's razor sharp mind behind his genial smile.

"I had the privilege of knowing Rajiv for the last 40 years having worked together on a large number of cases. Was a true friend - always there for everyone."

Discussing their friendship, Rohatgi recounted an incident that occurred during the pandemic,

"I got Covid in Dubai. He came to know and he called my wife and assured her of all help in Dubai including hospitalisation if required. I was very touched."

"Au revoir, my friend. You disappeared a little too early. Rest in Peace", he added.

Senior Advocate Amarjit Singh Chandhiok shared that Luthra's sudden demise was a shock and great loss to him.

"Personally speaking, I knew Rajiv for over two decades; more when we started to work together. We handled a large number of matters."

He lauded Luthra for being a first-generation lawyer who built an empire in law practice, a full-service tier-1 law firm, and mentoring many a corporate lawyer.

"He created history in corporate law practice," said the senior counsel. 

Chandhiok added that Luthra's futuristic vision, strong will and hard work took Luthra & Luthra to its present stature. The firm had over 350 lawyers across its offices at Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru at its peak.

Shedding light on Luthra's personal qualities, he said,

"He is known for his large-heartedness. His sudden departure is a great loss to the society and the fraternity. He was warm-hearted, very pleasant, and with a great sense of humour. Quite sad that he left early. Rest in peace, dear friend!"

“A legal stalwart and a truly wonderful human being. He was larger than life and a pillar of our profession. He will be sorely missed. He was a great friend," said Managing Partner of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas Cyril Shroff.

Managing Partner of AZB & Partners Zia Mody said,

"Rajiv was one of a kind. If you meet him even once, you didn’t forget him. His loud voice, his laughs which shook his belly, his loyalty and affection as a friend…He will be missed by many. My heart goes out to his family."

Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya took to his Twitter account to say,

"Saddened to hear that Sh. Rajiv Luthra is no more. He touched the lives of many in wonderful ways. My fondest memories are with him fighting opposition to barge mounted power projects in the 1990s and many battles thereafter. He was a super lawyer and a superlative human being."

Commenting on Rajiv Luthra's unfortunate demise, Khaitan & Co Senior Partner Haigreve Khaitan called attention to his immense contribution to the growth of India’s legal profession and professionals.

"He always led from the front, and founded and firmly established a renowned law firm which he grew tremendously from the early days of the country’s economic liberalisation."

Echoing sentiments expressed by other members of the bar he further stated,

"We are extremely saddened at the untimely demise of Rajiv Luthra, who was a stalwart of the Indian legal profession. He was a deep source of encouragement and strength for his peers, colleagues and juniors, and inspired each person he met with his generous spirit, warmth and lust for life!"