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09 Nov 2025, 10:55 AM
Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court, on Sunday expressed pride in the transformative reach of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), observing that its presence now extends to the remotest corners of India and has touched the lives of those who might otherwise have remained unseen and unheard.
Speaking at the valedictory session of the National Conference on “Strengthening the Legal Aid Delivery Mechanism” organised by NALSA, Justice Surya Kant, who is the Executive Chairman of NALSA, reflected on the institution's journey from a statutory framework to a nationwide movement rooted in constitutional empathy.
“I can remark with a sense of pride that NALSA's reach today extends to the remotest corners of the nation, its imprint visible in the lives of those who might otherwise have remained unseen and unheard,” he said.
At the same time, the CJI-designate cautioned that the time had not yet come to rest on its laurels. He emphasised that the future of the legal aid movement must focus on deepening impact rather than merely expanding reach.
“NALSA's future lies not merely in expanding its reach, but in deepening its impact—through innovation, technology, and empathetic association,” he remarked.
Speaking in the presence of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Surya Kant said that the deliberations held over the two-day conference reflected “the depth of reflection, the rigour of thought, and the collective commitment” of the legal fraternity toward ensuring access to justice for all.
Justice Surya Kant said the opening session on “Institutional Defence for Inclusive Justice” set the tone for the entire conference by focusing on the transformative role of the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System (LADCS). He said the LADCS marks “a shift from individualised and often fragmented representation to a structured and accountable system of defence,” strengthening the institutional framework for providing quality legal representation to the underprivileged.
He also underlined the crucial role of Panel Lawyers, describing them as “the operational pillars of this vast enterprise.” Justice Surya Kant observed that empanelled legal aid counsels are often the first responders in the legal aid ecosystem and emphasised that “to bolster the justice delivery system, we must invest not only in infrastructure and policy, but also in human capital.”
Referring to discussions on Empowering Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs), Justice Surya Kant said these deliberations were among the most inspiring of the conference. He praised PLVs as “the face of justice in villages, towns, and cities across the country,” noting that they embody both compassion and ingenuity. Rooted in their communities, he said, PLVs serve as a vital bridge between formal legal structures and the lived realities of citizens by spreading awareness, assisting in documentation, and guiding individuals towards the right remedies.
Justice Surya Kant further noted that the dialogue on Strengthening Permanent Lok Adalats brought focus to ensuring dispute resolution that is “swift, amicable, and accessible.”
The final session, on Financial Management of Legal Services Institutions, he said, highlighted an often-overlooked aspect of the legal aid system : the need for sustainable fiscal foundations. “Genuine intentions and robust frameworks require sustainable fiscal foundations,” Justice Surya Kant remarked.
Summing up the two-day conference, he said the discussions collectively reaffirmed that the journey toward accessible justice is complex and ongoing. “This conference has confirmed that the journey toward accessible justice is not traversed on a linear path; rather, the road is long and winding — a voyage which demands both introspection and imagination,” Justice Surya Kant concluded.