The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has announced the appointment of Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, as its new Executive Chairman.
The nomination was made by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, under Clause (b) of sub-section (2) of Section 3 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The appointment will take effect from May 14, 2025.
The official notification confirming the appointment was issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice and published in the Gazette of India on May 9, 2025.
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Justice Surya Kant succeeds Justice B.R. Gavai, who previously held the position. In keeping with established convention, the role of Executive Chairman of NALSA is typically held by the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court.
Currently serving as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC), Justice Surya Kant has long been a staunch advocate for legal aid, access to justice, and reforms in the justice delivery system. His commitment to ensuring equal access to justice for all, especially marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities, has been widely acknowledged in the legal fraternity.
As Executive Chairman, Justice Surya Kant will helm NALSA’s nationwide initiatives aimed at fulfilling the constitutional promise enshrined in Article 39-A, which mandates free legal aid and ensures that justice is not denied to any citizen on grounds of economic or other disabilities.
Under his leadership, NALSA is expected to strengthen its outreach and legal empowerment programs, continuing its vital mission of promoting justice for all.
