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Stressing the need for "ease of justice" as an integral part of "ease of living", Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal praised the work of legal services institutions on Saturday.
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) observed Legal Services Day and the event was attended by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman of NALSA; Justice B.R. Gavai, Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee; and Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Law and Justice. While addressing the event, Arjun Ram Meghwal, praised the work of legal services institutions and emphasized the need for 'ease of justice' as an integral part of 'ease of living.' The Minister also assured continued support from the Ministry of Law and Justice to NALSA's efforts to provide equal access to justice for marginalized and vulnerable communities. In his address, Justice Sanjiv Khanna commended the dedication of legal aid functionaries--such as panel lawyers, Legal Aid Defence Counsels (Nyaya Rakshaks), and Paralegal Volunteers (Adhikar Mitrs), for their unwavering commitment to the cause of legal aid. Justice Khanna provided a detailed overview of the current legal services framework, shared recent initiatives by NALSA, and outlined the future vision for legal aid in India. Justice B.R. Gavai, who is set to assume the role of Executive Chairman of NALSA, highlighted the vital role the organization plays in recognizing the rights of citizens. He emphasized the importance of ensuring a smooth and barrier-free process for providing legal aid. Justice Gavai further acknowledged the pivotal contribution of paralegals and panel lawyers, calling them the backbone of legal services institutions. He also shared an initiative by the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, which has increased the number of panel lawyers to broaden the reach of legal services. The event was also graced virtually by the Patron-in-Chief and Executive Chairpersons of various State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs), along with the Chairpersons of High Court Legal Services Committees. This important day commemorates the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, which was established to provide free and competent legal services to the marginalized and disadvantaged sections of society. Member Secretaries from various State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) also shared their experiences, discussing the challenges faced while delivering legal services and the successes achieved in advancing justice. The event also marked the release of NALSA's Special Newsletter, which highlighted the organization's ongoing efforts and accomplishments in promoting access to justice. Additionally, booklets detailing NALSA's new schemes--such as the NALSA (Child-Friendly Legal Services for Children) Scheme, 2024, and the NALSA (Legal Services to Persons with Mental Illness and Persons with Intellectual Disabilities) Scheme, 2024--were unveiled. A training module on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, was also launched. (ANI)
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