Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice BR Gavai on Saturday described legal aid as “Gandhi Ji’s talisman in action,” calling it a moral and constitutional duty to serve the weakest sections of society.
He addressed the inaugural session of the two-day National Conference on ‘Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms’. The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) organised the event at the Supreme Court of India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the conference, which focuses on improving access to justice through legal aid.
Justice Gavai said the legal aid movement reflects Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of serving the poorest and the most marginalised.
He emphasised that judges, lawyers, and court officers have a shared responsibility to ensure the “light of justice reaches the last person standing at the margins of society.”
He added, “Justice is not a privilege of the few but a right of every citizen.”
The CJI noted that India’s 75th year of the Constitution is a reminder to uphold the vision enshrined in the Preamble, ensuring social, economic, and political justice.
Quoting Dr BR Ambedkar, he said, “Ours is a battle not for wealth or for power, but for freedom and for the reclamation of human personality.”
Justice Gavai thanked Prime Minister Modi for attending the event. He said the Prime Minister’s presence reaffirmed the joint responsibility of the legislature, executive, and judiciary in expanding access to justice.
The CJI urged participants to treat legal aid as a “living movement” that evolves with society’s changing needs.
He called for stronger institutions, skilled personnel, and modernised systems to sustain the movement’s impact.
The conference will discuss key areas such as the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System. It will also focus on building the capacity of panel lawyers and paralegal volunteers.
It will also focus on strengthening permanent Lok Adalats and improving the financial management of legal services institutions.
Justice Gavai praised panel lawyers and paralegal volunteers as the “soldiers of the legal aid movement,” bridging institutions with individuals.
Justice Surya Kant, Justice Vikram Nath, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta attended the event.
High Court judges, along with members of the district judiciary and Bar associations, also participated.
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