Justice Surya Kant Appointed as New Chairman of Supreme Court Legal Services Committee

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Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna has appointed Justice Surya Kant as the new chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, succeeding Justice BR Gavai, who now heads NALSA. Justice Kant, previously Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh, will enhance legal aid access for underprivileged groups. His leadership aims to uphold equality and justice, making the Supreme Court more inclusive.

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has appointed Justice Surya Kant as the new chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC). The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) confirmed this in a notification issued on November 12.

Justice Surya Kant takes over the position from Justice BR Gavai, who now leads NALSA. NALSA is dedicated to providing free legal services to underprivileged and vulnerable groups across India, ensuring access to justice for all. As the patron-in-chief of NALSA, the Chief Justice of India oversees its functions, while the senior-most judge after the Chief Justice serves as the executive chair. The second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, now Justice Surya Kant, heads the SCLSC, managing legal services specifically for litigants before the apex court.

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Justice Surya Kant brings a wealth of experience to the SCLSC. He previously served as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, taking office on October 5, 2018, and was subsequently elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019. He is set to retire on February 9, 2027.

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This leadership change comes as part of NALSA’s mission to advance legal aid and enhance judicial outreach to India’s most marginalized communities. The Supreme Court Legal Services Committee plays a crucial role by providing legal assistance to litigants in the top court who are in need but lack resources, thereby upholding the core values of equality and justice embedded in the Indian Constitution.

Justice Surya Kant’s appointment is expected to strengthen the committee’s mission to make the Supreme Court more accessible and inclusive for all.

Read the Official Notification here:

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