In a notable development for the Indian legal system, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has nominated five distinguished lawyers as members of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee. This decision, as per the gazette notification dated December 23, 2023, was made under the auspices of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
The appointed advocates are Senior Advocates Vibha Datta Makhija, Siddhartha Dave, Aparajita Singh, along with Advocate Mohammad Shoeb Alam and Advocate K Parameshwar Krishnaswamy. This selection of experienced legal professionals is a significant step in bolstering the capabilities of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee.
NALSA, established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, plays a crucial role in the Indian judicial system. It is tasked with providing free legal services to the weaker sections of society and organizing Lok Adalats for the amicable settlement of disputes. The inclusion of these five lawyers in the committee is expected to enhance NALSA’s ability to fulfill its mandate effectively.
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Currently, CJI DY Chandrachud serves as the Patron-in-Chief of NALSA, with Justice Sanjiv Khanna as the Executive Chairman. Their leadership, combined with the expertise of the newly appointed members, is anticipated to bring about significant improvements in the delivery of legal services to the underprivileged sections of society.
This move is a testament to the ongoing efforts to strengthen legal aid mechanisms in India, ensuring that justice is accessible to all, regardless of their social or economic status. The inclusion of such esteemed legal practitioners in the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee is a step forward in upholding the principles of justice, equity, and inclusivity in the Indian legal system.
