Mon Nov 10 01:22:52 UTC 2025: Summary:
Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, speaking at the valedictory function of the national conference on ‘Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms’ and celebration of ‘Legal Services Day’, emphasized that legal aid is a moral duty, not just charity. He proposed an advisory committee at NALSA and SLSAs to ensure continuity in policy planning, comprising current and future executive chairpersons. Gavai also stressed the importance of empathy, collaboration, and administrative imagination for those involved in legal aid, highlighting the need to connect with government departments and civil society. He advocated for treating volunteers with respect, acknowledging their crucial role in the legal aid movement, and called for sustained collaboration and a forward-looking approach to strengthen legal aid’s reach and resilience.
News Article:
CJI Gavai Calls for Revolutionizing Legal Aid: “A Moral Duty, Not Mere Charity”
New Delhi, November 10, 2025: Outgoing Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai delivered a powerful address on Sunday, emphasizing the critical importance of legal aid and urging a transformation in its approach. Speaking at the closing of the national conference on ‘Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms’ and marking ‘Legal Services Day’, CJI Gavai stated unequivocally that providing legal aid is not simply an act of charity, but a fundamental moral duty.
In a proactive move to ensure policy continuity, the CJI proposed the establishment of advisory committees at the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs). These committees would comprise current and future executive chairpersons, fostering long-term vision and coordinated planning.
“Legal aid is an exercise in governance, in ensuring that the rule of law extends to every corner of our country,” CJI Gavai stressed, urging those involved in legal aid to approach their roles with administrative imagination. He highlighted the need for empathy, collaboration, and the ability to connect with government departments and civil society organizations to effectively serve those in need.
Recognizing the vital contribution of volunteers, the CJI emphasized the importance of treating them with dignity and respect. He called for a collaborative effort between the judiciary, the executive branch, and civil society to harness technology while retaining a human touch.
CJI Gavai, who will demit office on November 23rd, called for a sustained and forward-looking approach to strengthen the legal aid movement. He emphasized that while individuals leading legal service institutions may change, the constitutional mandate to secure justice for every citizen remains constant. His address was attended by CJI-designate Surya Kant, Justice Vikram Nath, and other prominent judges.
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