CJI-designate Justice Surya Kant urged that every woman must feel unwavering confidence in the justice system. Speaking at a Lucknow event, he launched the ‘Nyay Marg’ AI chatbot to enhance digital access to free legal aid and women’s rights.
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LUCKNOW: Chief Justice of India (CJI) designate Justice Surya Kant on Sunday underscored the importance of ensuring that every woman in India has unwavering confidence in the justice system. He emphasised that the judiciary must stand firmly with women, offering assurance and protection regardless of their circumstances.
Justice Surya Kant was speaking at a sensitisation programme on “Removing Barriers to Reproductive Autonomy Through Legal Aid” held at the Judicial Training and Research Institute (JTRI), Lucknow. The event was organised by the Uttar Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (UPSLSA) and brought together eminent dignitaries from the Supreme Court of India and the Allahabad High Court to deliberate on women’s judicial protection and reproductive rights.
During the programme, Justice Surya Kant, who also serves as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), inaugurated ‘Nyay Marg’, an AI-driven chatbot designed to make free legal aid digitally accessible to citizens.
He lauded UPSLSA’s innovative efforts, noting that the initiative reaffirms India’s constitutional duty under Article 39A, which mandates the provision of free legal aid to ensure equal access to justice.
“Every woman must have the confidence that the justice system stands firmly with her,”
Justice Surya Kant said.
Justice Vikram Nath, Supreme Court Judge and Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, highlighted that “the progress of any community is measured by the progress of its women,” echoing the words of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He praised the initiative as a meaningful stride toward removing barriers to women’s reproductive autonomy through legal awareness.
Chief Justice Arun Bhansali of the Allahabad High Court, Patron-in-Chief of UPSLSA, described ‘Nyay Marg’ as a “crucial step towards strengthening access to justice.” Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta emphasised the importance of enhancing the effectiveness of legal aid through digital means, ensuring that technology bridges the gap between justice and those in need.
Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi drew attention to the plight of rape survivors and minor girls facing unwanted pregnancies, stating,
“Justice lies not only in judgments but also in the compassion with which we treat those in distress.”
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A technical session, chaired by Justice Ajay Bhanot, Judge of the Allahabad High Court and Chairman of the High Court Juvenile Justice Committee, featured experts from leading organisations, including NIMHANS, National Health Mission (NHM), and AALI (Association for Advocacy and Legal Initiatives).
The discussions addressed crucial topics such as:
- Unwanted motherhood and psychological support
- Legal and medical coordination under the MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) Act
- Rehabilitation of rape survivors
- Timely medical and legal intervention
- Enhanced coordination between law enforcement and healthcare professionals
Experts unanimously agreed that psychosocial assistance, rehabilitation, and timely justice delivery are vital to empowering women and protecting reproductive rights.
Justice Surya Kant also inaugurated ‘Spandan’, a newly constructed, state-of-the-art auditorium at the UPSLSA office in Gomti Nagar Extension, Lucknow. The facility will serve as a hub for training programmes, conferences, and public legal awareness initiatives.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Manu Kalia, Member Secretary of UPSLSA, expressed gratitude to all dignitaries and participants for contributing to the mission of inclusive and compassionate legal services across Uttar Pradesh.