A press release signed by SILF president Lalit Bhasin said: “While various names of illustrious political leaders are being considered for the post of President of India, one should not lose sight of others who are equally if not more deserving to hold this position.”

SILF reasoned in the release that the former additional solicitor general “is an exceptional and great citizen of this country – a person of great eminence, caliber, integrity and knowledge. He has held positions at the national and international level which have brought laurels to our country. He has also been a distinguished Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)”, in addition to committee chair of the International Commission of Jurists, and the advisory membership to the UNCTAD board.

The Padma Vibhushan awardee has also been the president of the Bar Association of India for the last two decades, stated the press release.

“President of India is the constitutional head of the country. No one knows the Constitution and its working better than Fali Nariman.”

The election commission is likely to announce holding presidential polls between 16 and 19 July to nominate a candidate to take oath to the highest office of the country after officiating president Pratibha Patil completes her presidential term on 24 July 2012, reported NDTV today.

Other names floated for the post are union finance minister Pranab Mukherjee and former Lok Sabha speaker PA Sangma, according to Express News Service.