It was largely due to player-boss Craig Brewster that the Highlanders succeeded, as he grabbed a second-half double to steal the points.
There had not been a great deal between the sides until the 57th minute when Stuart Golabek clipped the ball over home defender Andrew Lawrie and Brewster nipped in to take the ball wide of the diving Matt Glennon, before poking home from a tight angle.
Falkirk defender Craig Ireland made a brave attempt to block but only helped the ball go in the net.
The Bairns built up a head of steam after that and had a couple of penalty claims turned down after Russell Latapy appeared to be brought down in the box.
Inverness survived the period of pressure and eight minutes from the end the player-manager killed off any slight hopes Falkirk may have had.
Roy McBain made a great run down the left flank to the goal-line and when he cut the ball back, the ever alert Brewster nipped across Ireland, before clipping past the helpless Glennon from eight yards.
Lord McPhaline, with Falkirk chairman Campbell Christie and Scottish League secretary Peter Donald raised the First Division championship flag before the kick-off, to roars of approval.
But that was in sharp contrast to the minute's silence in respect of Falkirk youth teamer Craig Gowans, who was killed three weeks ago when he was electrocuted.
The Bairns have promised to dedicate this season to the youngster's memory but will have to up the tempo of their games if it is to be a successful campaign.
They virtually refused to test Caley Thistle keeper Mark Brown in the first half and did not make him work in the second.
In contrast the visitors were unlucky not to hit three, Ian Black's 25-yard piledriver smashing off the upright in the 48th minute with Glennon rooted to the spot.
In the end the Highlanders were well worth the victory.