New Delhi, November 14 (MExN): Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, has been nominated by President of India Droupadi Murmu as the new Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). This decision took effect on November 11 following a notification from the Union Ministry of Law and Justice published in the Official Gazette on November 8.
A press release from NALSA informed that the post is traditionally occupied by the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court of India, as per convention.
Prior to his nomination, Justice Gavai was the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC).
Sanjiv Khanna, the new Chief Justice of India, was the previous Executive Chairman of NALSA.
As Executive Chairman, Justice Gavai 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 across India, the release added.
Meanwhile, in place of Justice Gavai, NALSA has announced the nomination of Justice Surya Kant as the new Chairman of SCLSC with immediate effect. The nomination has been made by CJI Khanna, and the notification to this effect was published by NALSA in the Official Gazette on November 12.
The SCLSC plays a vital role in ensuring access to justice for all, particularly for marginalized and underprivileged sections of society who may face financial or social barriers in accessing the highest court of the country, another NALSA release stated.
