Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai and Justice Surya Kant Take Key Roles in NALSA and SCLSC
In New Delhi, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has made significant judicial appointments to enhance access to justice for all, especially marginalized communities. Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, a Supreme Court Judge, has been appointed as the new Executive Chairman of NALSA. This appointment was made by President Droupadi Murmu under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, effective from November 11, with a notification from the Ministry of Law and Justice on November 8.
Traditionally, the Executive Chairman’s role is held by the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, following Justice Sanjiv Khanna. Before this, Justice Gavai was the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC). In his new position, Justice Gavai will lead NALSA’s mission to provide free legal aid, ensuring no citizen is denied justice due to financial or social barriers, in line with Article 39-A of the Constitution.
Simultaneously, Justice Surya Kant, also a Supreme Court Judge, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the SCLSC, succeeding Justice Gavai. This nomination was made by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Chief Justice of India, and published in the Official Gazette on November 12, 2024. The SCLSC is vital in making justice accessible, especially for marginalized groups facing barriers to accessing the Supreme Court. Under Justice Surya Kant’s leadership, the Committee will continue its essential work in providing legal support to those in need.
These appointments highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen legal services in India, ensuring justice is accessible to every citizen, regardless of socio-economic status.
Doubts Revealed
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai -: Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is a judge in India who has been given an important job to help people get legal help.
Justice Surya Kant -: Justice Surya Kant is another judge in India who will now lead a group that helps people with legal services.
NALSA -: NALSA stands for National Legal Services Authority, which is an organization in India that helps people who cannot afford lawyers get free legal help.
SCLSC -: SCLSC stands for Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, which is a group that helps people with legal issues at the highest court in India.
President Droupadi Murmu -: President Droupadi Murmu is the President of India, and she has the power to appoint important officials like judges to different roles.
Marginalized communities -: Marginalized communities are groups of people who might not have the same opportunities or resources as others, and they often need extra help to get justice.
