Justice BR Gavai Appointed Executive Chairman NALSA, Justice Surya Kant is Chairman SCLSC

New Delhi:Justice B.R Gavai has been appointed as Executive Chairman National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) while Justice Surya Kant has been appointed as Chairman Supreme Court’s Legal Service Committee.

An official statement stated that NALSA announced the nomination of Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, a Judge of the Supreme Court of India, as the new Executive Chairman of NALSA.

The nomination was made by the President of India Droupadi Murmu, under the powers granted by Clause (b) of sub-section (2) of Section 3 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.

An official statement said the appointment is effective from November 11, 2024, with an official notification published by the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, on November 8, 2024.

Justice Gavai’s appointment follows the convention that the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court occupies this position. He succeeds Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who was previously the Executive Chairman of NALSA.

Before being appointed as Executive Chairman, Justice Gavai served as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC). In his new role, Justice Gavai will lead NALSA’s efforts in advancing access to justice and providing legal aid to marginalized and underprivileged communities across India.

Meanwhile the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has also announced the nomination of Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC) with immediate effect.

The appointment was made by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Chief Justice of India, and was officially notified in the Gazette on November 12, 2024.

Justice Surya Kant takes over the role from Hon’ble Mr. Justice B.R. Gavai, who has recently been appointed as the Executive Chairman of NALSA. Justice Gavai’s new role follows the convention of the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court taking charge of NALSA.

The SCLSC plays a pivotal role in providing access to justice, particularly to marginalized and underprivileged sections of society who may face financial or social barriers in accessing the highest court in the country.