NALSA's Acting Chairman- Justice Surya Kant

Why in News?

• President Draupadi Murmu has appointed Supreme Court Judge Surya Kant as the Acting Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
• Justice Surya Kant is currently the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee.

Key Points:-

• Date of appointment: Effective from 14 May 2025
• Appointor: President of India
• Previous Chairman: Justice B.R. Gavai
• Legal Provisions: Under Section 3(2)(b) of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987

National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) -

• NALSA is a statutory body to ensure equal and accessible access to justice in India.
• Establishment:
  • Year: 5 December 1995
  • Act: Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
• Objectives:
  • To provide free legal aid to people who are economically or socially backward.
  • To organize Lok Adalats so that cases can be settled quickly through reconciliation.
  • To increase legal literacy and awareness.
  • To provide assistance in cases related to habeas corpus, human rights and women safety.
  • To help in rehabilitation of victims and access to justice.

Structure:-

Constitutional basis of access to justice:

• Article 39A (Directive Principles of State Policy)- ensures free legal aid to economically weaker sections.
• This article was added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976).