New Delhi

Former Attorney General (AG) and veteran lawyer Soli Sorabjee passed away on Friday. He was 91.

Sorabjee had been honoured with Padma Vibhushan in 2002 for his defence of the freedom of expression and the protection of human rights. Sorabjee has held several offices in organisations of national and international repute.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons.

"The gentle giant Soli Sorabjee passed away this morning. Always ready to lend a helping hand Soli Sir leaves behind countless admirers & many memories. My condolences to the family in this hour of grief," tweeted Union Minister Smriti Irani while condoling Sorabjee's demise.

Sorabjee, born in 1930, enrolled at the bar in 1953. In 1971, Bombay High Court designated him as senior advocate.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has condoled the demise of former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee, calling him an exceptional legal mind and a great scholar of the Indian constitution.

"Deeply pained by the demise of India's former Attorney General and veteran jurist, Shri Soli Sorabjee," tweeted Singh. "He was an exceptional legal mind and a great scholar of our constitution. His services to the nation will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family," he added.