President nominates justice Surya Kant as National Legal Service Authority chief
The President of India has nominated Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court, as the new Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). The appointment will come into effect from May 14, 2025.As Executive Chairman, Justice Surya Kant will lead NALSA in its mission to ensure free and accessible legal aid to citizens across India, particularly those belonging to marginalised and economically weaker sections.His leadership is expected to reinforce the constitutional mandate of Article 39-A, which aims to guarantee that justice is not denied to any citizen due to financial or social constraints.This nomination has been made under Clause (b) of sub-section (2) of Section 3 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The Ministry of Law and Justice published a notification in the Official Gazette on May 9, 2025, confirming the appointment.Following convention, the post of Executive Chairman is held by the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court. Justice Surya Kant succeeds Justice BR Gavai in this position.Currently serving as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC), Justice Surya Kant has been at the forefront of promoting access to justice. NALSA, in its press release, highlighted his significant contributions towards legal aid and institutional reforms within the justice delivery system.Must Watch
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