Chief Justice of India BR Gavai shared a moving moment from his visit to violence-hit Manipur, recalling an elderly woman’s words with tears in her eyes, “Stay strong, brother,” as a powerful reminder of empathy and justice for the marginalized.
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NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai invoked the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and underscored the importance of ensuring justice for all citizens, especially the marginalized, during the National Conference on Strengthening the Legal Aid Delivery Mechanism held at the Supreme Court on Saturday.
CJI Gavai reflected on his recent visit to violence-hit Manipur, where he interacted with displaced citizens in Churachandpur as the acting chairperson of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). Recalling a powerful encounter, he said,
“An elderly woman came forward and, with folded hands and tears in her eyes, said to me, ‘Stay strong, brother.’ That moment reminded me that the true reward of the legal services movement lies not in statistics or annual reports, but in the quiet gratitude and renewed faith of citizens who once felt invisible.”
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Addressing judges, lawyers, and legal officers from across India, CJI Gavai emphasized that justice must never be a privilege reserved for a few but a fundamental right of every citizen.
“Whenever we are in doubt, we should recall the face of the poorest and most vulnerable person we have ever seen in our lives, and ask ourselves whether the steps we are about to take will be of any help to them,”
he said, echoing Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of serving the last person in society.
CJI Gavai highlighted that the success of the legal aid movement cannot be measured by numbers alone, but by the trust and faith of the common man in the justice system.
In March 2025, Justice Gavai visited ethnic violence-affected regions of Manipur as the acting chairperson of NALSA. During his visit, he inaugurated legal service camps, medical camps, and new legal aid clinics across Imphal East, Imphal West, Ukhrul, and other districts.
These initiatives aimed to restore legal access and support for citizens affected by conflict, reaffirming the judiciary’s commitment to inclusivity and human dignity.
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) plays a crucial role in providing free legal aid and awareness to economically weaker and marginalized communities. Under CJI Gavai’s leadership, NALSA continues to expand its reach by collaborating with state and district legal services authorities to ensure equal access to justice for every individual.
CJI Gavai’s remarks serve as a reminder that the judiciary’s mission extends beyond courtrooms, into the hearts and hopes of the people it serves.
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