Legal Aid as a Moral Duty
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai emphasized that legal aid is a moral duty rather than an act of charity. It is crucial in ensuring the rule of law reaches all parts of the country.
Strengthening Legal Aid Mechanisms
- CJI Gavai proposed creating an advisory committee at NALSA (National Legal Services Authority) and SLSAs (State Legal Services Authorities) to ensure continuity in policy planning.
- The committee would comprise current executive chairpersons and two or three future executive heads.
- Meetings would occur quarterly or every six months to oversee long-term projects.
- He highlighted the importance of an administrative imagination among those engaged in the legal aid movement, emphasizing governance and extending the rule of law.
Vision-Based Planning
Gavai stressed the need for legal services authorities to execute efforts with a long-term institutional vision. He noted challenges in continuity due to changing executive chairpersons and suggested institutionalizing vision-based planning.
Empathy and Collaboration
Legal aid requires a shift from judicial detachment to empathy and collaboration. CJI Gavai urged judicial officers to connect with government officials, civil society, and citizens compassionately.
Sustaining and Innovating the Legal Aid Movement
- Calling for respect and dignity towards volunteers and legal aid counsel.
- Emphasized the importance of collaboration between the judiciary, executive, and civil society.
- Urged harnessing technology while maintaining a human touch.
Conclusion
CJI Gavai concluded by asserting that the legal aid movement is a significant expression of the Constitution, bridging the gap between the law and lived realities. He stressed the importance of continuing to grow and transform the movement to ensure justice for all citizens.
