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United News of India

SC launches Veer Parivaar Sahayata Yojana 2025 in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jul 26 (UNI) The Supreme Court of India today marked a historic step in expanding legal aid to the nation's armed forces and tribal communities with the formal launch of Veer Parivaar Sahayata Yojana 2025 at the North Zone Regional Conference on 'Reaffirming the Constitutional Vision of Justice for Defence Personnel and Tribals'. The event was organised by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in collaboration with the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and the J&K Legal Services Authority at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar. Presiding over the landmark event, Justice Surya Kant, Judge, Supreme Court of India & Executive Chairman, NALSA, set an inspirational tone with a quote from Kashmiri Sufi poet Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad Mahjoor, calling upon the nation to cultivate a 'spring of unity, compassion, and justice.' He said, 'This gathering in Kashmir is not just about technical discussions; it is about national integration and honouring the selfless service of our armed forces.' Justice Surya Kant described Veer Parivaar Sahayata Yojana 2025 as a 'historic milestone' in NALSA's three-decade-long mission to extend justice to marginalized citizens. 'Our jawans face land disputes, service entitlements, and matrimonial issues, just like any other citizen. But their service conditions make legal access harder. This scheme is our solemn pledge to stand by them,' he said. He detailed the three key pillars of the scheme: Dedicated Legal Services Clinics at Zilla, Rajya, and Kendriya Sainik Boards. Trained Nodal Officers and Legal Counsels, including ex-servicemen, to offer timely and empathetic assistance. Digital mechanisms like online mediation, e-Lok Adalats, and legal portals to ensure quick redressal. Quoting Article 39A of the Constitution, Justice Kant reminded the gathering, 'If we fail to extend this support to our jawans and their families, we fail in our constitutional duty. Just as they safeguard our freedom, we must safeguard their dignity and rights.' Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, the Guest of Honour, praised the initiative, saying it echoes the government's focus on inclusive justice and digital empowerment. 'This is a true representation of 'Sabka Nyay',' he said. Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Justice Arun Palli, welcomed the judiciary's efforts to leverage technology to prioritise and fast-track cases involving defence personnel. The conference was graced by a strong contingent of Supreme Court judges including, Justice B.R. Gavai, Chief Justice of India, who arrived in Srinagar earlier today; Justice P.S. Narasimha, Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh. CJI Gavai, while in Srinagar, also attended two key public engagements: At 10:30 AM: In Conversation with the Bar, a NALSA dialogue at SKICC. At 2:00 PM: Mega Alumni Meet at the University of Kashmir's Convocation Complex in Hazratbal. Other notable attendees and speakers at the event included: Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority, who discussed tribal outreach under the SAMVAD initiative. Justice Sindhu Sharma, Executive Chairperson, Ladakh Legal Services Authority. Lt. Gen. Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-C, Northern Command, who hailed the scheme as a game-changer for the welfare of soldiers and their kin. Lieutenant Governor of J&K Shri Manoj Sinha offered full support from the UT administration, declaring: 'This initiative ensures that the Army and their families are not left behind in their legal struggles.' The launch of Veer Parivaar Sahayata Yojana 2025 stands as a testament to the judiciary's evolving and inclusive role in national service—extending not just justice, but dignity, to those who defend the nation. UNI SNG