New Delhi, May 10 – President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Supreme Court judge Justice Surya Kant as the executive chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), reaffirming the commitment to strengthen access to free legal aid across the country.
The Ministry of Law and Justice issued a notification on May 9 confirming the nomination. NALSA, in a press release, stated, "As executive chairman, Justice Surya Kant 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."
Justice Surya Kant succeeds Justice B R Gavai, who previously held the post and is slated to take oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14. The role of NALSA's executive chairman, by convention, is held by the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court.
Currently, Justice Surya Kant also serves as the chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee. Prior to his new role, he has been instrumental in driving initiatives aimed at expanding access to justice and has consistently advocated for legal aid and institutional reforms in the justice delivery system.
His appointment is expected to energize further NALSA’s efforts to bridge the legal divide and empower citizens through timely and effective legal assistance.
