In a significant judicial development, Supreme Court judge Justice Surya Kant has been appointed as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). This move follows the tradition of nominating the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court to the post. Justice Kant will take charge from May 14, succeeding Justice BR Gavai, who is set to become the next Chief Justice of India.
The appointment was notified by the Ministry of Law and Justice on May 9, acting under the powers vested in the President of India by Clause (b) of sub-section (2) of Section 3 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Currently serving as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC), Justice Kant has earned recognition for advancing access to justice for the marginalized and economically weaker sections. His leadership in legal aid has helped reinforce the constitutional vision under Article 39A, which mandates that “the State shall secure that the operation of the legal system promotes justice, on a basis of equal opportunity, and shall provide free legal aid” to ensure that justice is not denied due to economic or other disabilities.
Justice Surya Kant previously served as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and has delivered several landmark judgments in his tenure at the Supreme Court. He is also widely regarded for his contributions to judicial reforms, the protection of fundamental rights, and strengthening legal aid frameworks across the country.
As he takes the reins at NALSA, Justice Kant’s focus is expected to remain firmly on delivering justice to those at society’s margins and continuing the authority’s mission to “ensure justice for all, not just for those who can afford it.”
