President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Justice Surya Kantof the Supreme Court as the next Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
Justice Kant replaces Justice BR Gavai, who is to take over as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14.
What is NALSA?
• The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is a statutory body in India established in 1995 under the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987.
• Its primary goal is to ensure that everyone, particularly those who are impoverished or underprivileged, has access to legal services, including free legal aid and advice.
• NALSA also organizes Lok Adalats for faster resolution of disputes.
• Promotes Settlement of Disputes through Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms.
• Functions of NALSA: 1. Free Legal Aid, 2. Lok Adalats, 3. Legal Awareness and Literacy, 4. Access to Government Schemes, 5. Social Action Litigation
Constitutional Provisions related to Free Legal Aid
• Article 39A: Mandates the State to ensure justice with equal opportunity, including free legal aid provision.
• Article 14: Guarantees equality before the law for all individuals within India’s territory.
• Article 22(1): Provides protection to individuals arrested or detained, ensuring their right to legal consultation and representation.