In a significant development, Justice Surya Kant, the Supreme Court’s second senior-most judge, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC). The nomination, made by the Chief Justice of India, formalizes his role in a crucial body dedicated to promoting legal aid across the nation.

This appointment follows an amendment to Notification No. S.O. 115(E) from February 2000, now updated to list Justice Surya Kant as Chairman at the top of the roster. Justice Kant steps into the role after Justice B.R. Gavai, who recently became the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).

Established under Section 3A of the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987, the SCLSC works to ensure legal aid reaches marginalized sections of society in alignment with Article 39-A of the Constitution, which mandates equal justice for all. The Committee is integral to the Supreme Court’s outreach, helping those who cannot afford the typically high legal expenses of the nation’s apex court. By offering aid to individuals meeting the eligibility outlined in Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, the SCLSC plays a key role in advancing access to justice.

As the new Chairman, Justice Kant is expected to strengthen the Committee’s mission to bridge barriers faced by financially and socially disadvantaged citizens. The Chief Justice of India, who serves as the SCLSC’s patron-in-chief, leads a collective initiative to remove the obstacles faced by those in need of legal assistance, bringing a vital support system to the public.