Kasim Ali F Merchant is a graduate of Science and Law from Bombay University. By profession, he is a practicing lawyer (specializing in civil matters) at Bombay High Court since past 30 years. He has been involved with community service since young age and has held various important positions in the Aga Khans Network. He has been awarded the title of Honours as Alijah and Rai by H. H. Aga Khan. Further, he has served as a Board of Director for the Development Credit Bank and has been a member of H. H. Aga Khans Council for India (heading legal portfolio for more than six years). His involvement with the Masonic Lodge dates back to 1976. He has been a master of Lodge Perseverance of the Scottish Constitution, and is a member of the Lodge Imperial brotherhood. He is an office bearer of the District Grand Lodge of India (S.C).