Justice Surya Kant Appointed as NALSA Chairman » 🪵 𝙹𝙷𝙰𝚁𝙺𝙷𝙰𝙽𝙳𝙸 𝙱𝙰𝙱𝙰 🐘

The President of India has officially nominated Justice Surya Kant, a sitting judge of the Supreme Court, as the new Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). This role positions him at the forefront of spearheading legal aid initiatives across the country.

The appointment holds strategic importance because NALSA is tasked with providing free legal services to the marginalised, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, children, and economically weaker sections. As Executive Chairman, Justice Surya Kant will be responsible for framing policies, ensuring effective legal service delivery, and implementing Lok Adalat schemes.

Justice Kant, known for his progressive judgements and deep understanding of social justice issues, is expected to push forward NALSA’s goals with renewed vigour. His leadership is anticipated to improve outreach and enhance the impact of legal empowerment schemes.

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Points to Remember

Justice Surya Kant is a current Supreme Court judge appointed as Executive Chairman of NALSA.
The nomination was made by the President of India under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
NALSA’s main role is to provide free legal aid and conduct Lok Adalats for speedy justice.
Justice Kant is expected to bring in judicial activism and a social welfare focus to the institution.

ABOUT NALSA :

The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, with the vision to ensure that justice is not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities. NALSA is a statutory body that plays a pivotal role in providing free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of society and promoting dispute resolution mechanisms such as Lok Adalats.

Constitution and Structure

As per Section 3 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987:

The Chief Justice of India is the Patron-in-Chief.
A Supreme Court Judge (serving or retired) is nominated as the Executive Chairman by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
It also includes a Member-Secretary and other nominated members.

This hierarchical structure ensures coordination from the national level down to the Taluk Legal Services Committees.

Objectives and Functions of NALSA

As outlined in Section 4 of the Act, the key functions of NALSA include:

Formulating policies for providing legal aid to the disadvantaged.
Framing and implementing cost-effective schemes for legal services.
Organising Legal Aid Camps and Lok Adalats.
Promoting legal literacy and legal awareness, especially in rural and marginalised communities.
Encouraging dispute resolution via mediation, conciliation, and arbitration.
Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of legal aid programmes.
Providing grants-in-aid to NGOs and State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs).

Who is Entitled to Legal Aid from NALSA?

According to Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, the following individuals are entitled to free legal services:

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Women and children.
Victims of trafficking or natural disasters.
Persons with disabilities.
Industrial workmen.
Individuals in custody.
Persons with an income less than ₹12,000/year (before the Supreme Court) or as notified by the State for other courts.

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Lok Adalats and Pre-Litigation Settlements

NALSA plays a major role in organising Lok Adalats under Chapter VI of the Act. Lok Adalats are platforms for alternative dispute resolution that settle pending court cases or pre-litigation disputes amicably.

Awards passed by Lok Adalats are deemed as civil court decrees and are binding on the parties.
These courts promote speedy justice, avoiding procedural delays.

In 2002, the concept of Permanent Lok Adalats was introduced to adjudicate disputes related to public utility services.

Funding Mechanism

NALSA operates through:

National Legal Aid Fund, financed by the Central Government.
Contributions from individuals, courts, and other entities.
These funds are distributed to state and district legal services authorities to implement schemes locally.

Points to Remember

NALSA was established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Provides free legal aid to economically and socially weaker sections.
Works under the Chief Justice of India as Patron-in-Chief.
Operates Lok Adalats and Permanent Lok Adalats for dispute resolution.
Legal aid is available to SC/ST, women, children, disabled, disaster victims, and low-income groups.
Act empowers Central and State governments to frame detailed rules and regulations.
Ensures justice delivery aligns with Article 39A of the Constitution of India.