The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) announced the nomination of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Judge, Supreme Court of India, as the new Executive Chairman of NALSA.
This nomination has been made by the President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu, under the powers conferred by Clause (b) of sub-section (2) of Section 3 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and is effective from 11th November 2024. A notification to that effect was published by the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India in the Official Gazette on 08th November, 2024.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Hon’ble the Chief Justice of India was the previous Executive Chairman of NALSA. As per convention, the post is occupied by the second senior- most judge of the Supreme Court of India.
Prior to his nomination as the Executive Chairman, NALSA, Hon’ble Mr. Justice B.R. Gavai was the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC).
As Executive Chairman, Hon’ble Mr. Justice B.R. Gavai will lead NALSA’s mission to provide accessible and free legal aid to all citizens, particularly those from marginalized and economically weaker sections of society pan India. His leadership is expected to further NALSA’s commitment to upholding the constitutional mandate of Article 39-A, ensuring that justice is not denied to any citizen due to financial or social barrier.
Further the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is pleased to announce the nomination of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, Judge, Supreme Court of India, as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC) with immediate effect. The nomination has been made by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Hon’ble the Chief Justice of India. A notification to this effect was published by NALSA in the Official Gazette on 12th November, 2024.
The post was earlier held by Hon’ble Mr. Justice B.R. Gavai, who has recently been nominated as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority.
The Supreme Court Legal Services Committee plays a vital role in ensuring access to justice for all, particularly for marginalized and underprivileged sections of society who may face financial or social barriers in accessing the Highest Court of the Country.