New Delhi [India], November 13 : The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has announced two key judicial appointments aimed at strengthening access to justice for all citizens, particularly marginalized and underprivileged communities.
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, has been appointed as the new Executive Chairman of NALSA. President Droupadi Murmu, made the nomination under the powers conferred by the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The appointment is effective from November 11, with a formal notification published by the Ministry of Law and Justice on November 8,.
As per judicial convention, the Executive Chairman's position is typically held by the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, following Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the former Executive Chairman. Prior to this appointment, Justice Gavai had served as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC).
In his new role, Justice Gavai will lead NALSA's mission to provide free and accessible legal aid to citizens, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. His leadership is expected to further NALSA's commitment to ensuring that no citizen is denied justice due to financial or social barriers, in line with the constitutional mandate under Article 39-A.
At the same time, Justice Surya Kant, also a Supreme Court Judge, has been nominated as the new Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC), taking over from Justice Gavai. This nomination was made by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Chief Justice of India, and was published in the Official Gazette on November 12, 2024.
The SCLSC plays a crucial role in ensuring that justice is accessible to all, particularly to marginalized groups who may face financial or social barriers in accessing the highest court in the country. Under Justice Surya Kant's leadership, the Committee will continue its vital work in providing legal support to those in need.
These appointments reflect the ongoing efforts to strengthen legal services in India and ensure that justice remains accessible to every citizen, regardless of their socio-economic status.