Global Governanace News

Tag: Legal Aid

  • VP Releases Book on Justice B.R. Gavai’s Constitutional Vision

    VP Releases Book on Justice B.R. Gavai’s Constitutional Vision

    • Vice-President releases The Voice of Justice: Justice Gavai Speaks.
    • Book compiles speeches and reflections of former CJI Justice B.R. Gavai.
    • C.P. Radhakrishnan stresses integrity, constitutional discipline and public trust.
    • Vice-President urges lawyers to provide regular pro bono legal aid.

    GG News Bureau
    New Delhi, 14th July: Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday released the book The Voice of Justice: Justice Gavai Speaks, describing it as an important constitutional document that reflects judicial thought rooted in constitutional discipline, public responsibility and the rule of law.

    The book, edited by Prof. (Dr.) S. Sivakumar and published by Thomson Reuters in association with the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA), compiles speeches, lectures and reflections of former Chief Justice of India Justice B.R. Gavai.

    Speaking at the release function held at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, the Vice-President said the volume offers valuable insights into constitutionalism, democratic governance, social justice and the rule of law, and would enrich constitutional discourse and legal scholarship in India.

    Radhakrishnan said the Constitution of India has remained a living and evolving document that balances continuity with change, rights with duties, and authority with accountability. He described the Constitution as the foundation of democratic stability and national unity while noting that Parliament’s power to amend it enables the country to meet changing needs.

    Highlighting the judiciary’s role, the Vice-President said constitutional governance and public faith in the rule of law depend on institutional integrity, constitutional discipline and public trust. He observed that restraint is as important as authority in a constitutional democracy.

    Calling for greater access to justice, Radhakrishnan said constitutional governance must remain responsive to the aspirations of ordinary citizens and emphasised the need to empower marginalised communities by ensuring dignity, opportunity and equal access to justice.

    Praising Justice Gavai’s contribution to the judiciary, he said the former Chief Justice’s judicial journey reflects an unwavering commitment to constitutional values, institutional balance and justice for all.

    The Vice-President also appealed to members of the legal fraternity to regularly provide pro bono legal assistance to the poorest sections of society so that justice becomes accessible to every citizen.

    The event was attended by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, Supreme Court Judge Justice Vikram Nath, former Chief Justice Justice B.R. Gavai, editor Prof. (Dr.) S. Sivakumar, Thomson Reuters publisher Gowri Shankar Natesan, and members of the legal fraternity.

  • Ease of Living Possible Only When Ease of Justice Ensured: PM Modi

    Ease of Living Possible Only When Ease of Justice Ensured: PM Modi

    • PM Modi inaugurates the National Conference on “Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms” at the Supreme Court
    • Launches NALSA’s Community Mediation Training Module to promote dialogue-based dispute resolution
    • Highlights eCourts project, saying tech is transforming India’s justice delivery system
    • Stresses making legal documents and judgments available in local languages to ensure accessibility

    GG News Bureau
    New Delhi, 8th Nov: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the National Conference on “Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms” at the Supreme Court of India, where he launched the Community Mediation Training Module developed by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).

    Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that “when justice is accessible to all, delivered in a timely manner, and reaches every individual regardless of social or financial background—that is when it truly becomes the foundation of social justice.” He added that ease of doing business and ease of living are incomplete without ensuring ease of justice, reaffirming his government’s commitment to judicial reforms.

    PM Modi emphasized that legal aid mechanisms serve as a bridge between the judiciary and citizens, highlighting that under the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System, nearly 8 lakh criminal cases have been resolved in three years. He praised Lok Adalats and pre-litigation settlements for providing quick and affordable justice.

    Discussing reforms, the Prime Minister said over 40,000 unnecessary compliances have been removed, 3,400 legal provisions decriminalized, and 1,500 obsolete laws repealed to promote ease of living.

    Announcing the Community Mediation Training Module, Modi described it as a revival of India’s ancient tradition of dispute resolution through dialogue. “Mediation has always been part of our civilization; the new Mediation Act gives it a modern form,” he stated.

    The Prime Minister also underscored the role of technology in transforming justice delivery. Citing the eCourts project, he said features such as e-filing, electronic summons, and virtual hearings have simplified court processes. He revealed that the government has allocated ₹7,000 crore for the project’s third phase, reflecting strong commitment to tech-driven justice.

    PM Modi further stressed that legal awareness must reach the poor, women, and the elderly, urging law students to engage with rural communities and self-help groups to promote understanding of legal rights.

    He also highlighted the importance of language accessibility in justice, noting that people must understand laws in their own language to ensure compliance and reduce litigation. Commending the Supreme Court for translating over 80,000 judgments into 18 Indian languages, he expressed confidence that similar efforts will expand to High Courts and district courts.

    Concluding his address, the Prime Minister called on the judiciary, legal professionals, and policymakers to envision a future where India’s justice system aligns with its developed nation goals.

    The conference, organized by NALSA, will run for two days and deliberate on critical issues including the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System, panel lawyers, para-legal volunteers, Lok Adalats, and financial management of legal services institutions.

    Chief Justice of India Justice B.R. Gavai, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and senior members of the judiciary were present at the event.

  • PM Modi to Inaugurate National Conference on Legal Aid

    PM Modi to Inaugurate National Conference on Legal Aid

    • PM Modi will inaugurate the National Conference on “Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms” at the Supreme Court.
    • The Community Mediation Training Module by NALSA will be launched during the event.
    • Conference will discuss Legal Aid Defense Counsel System, panel lawyers, para-legal volunteers, and permanent Lok Adalats.

    GG News Bureau
    New Delhi, 8th Nov: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the National Conference on “Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms” on 8th November 2025 at around 5 PM at the Supreme Court of India.

    During the event, the Prime Minister will launch the Community Mediation Training Module prepared by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and address the gathering.

    Organised by NALSA, the two-day conference will deliberate on key aspects of India’s legal services framework, including the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System, panel lawyers, para-legal volunteers, permanent Lok Adalats, and the financial management of legal services institutions.

    The conference aims to strengthen legal aid delivery mechanisms, improve access to justice, and enhance the capacity of legal professionals and volunteers across the country.

  • SC Issues Sweeping Directions for Nationwide Implementation of Domestic Violence Act

    SC Issues Sweeping Directions for Nationwide Implementation of Domestic Violence Act

    GG News Bureau
    New Delhi, 3rd June:     In a landmark order aimed at strengthening support for victims of domestic violence, the Supreme Court has directed the Centre, all States and Union Territories to ensure full implementation of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. The apex court has mandated the appointment of Protection Officers across the country within six weeks and laid down seven detailed directions to address systemic gaps.

    A bench led by Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma passed the order on May 20, with the detailed judgment uploaded today on the Supreme Court’s website. The court noted that although the Domestic Violence Act has been in force for nearly two decades, its enforcement remains inconsistent across the nation.

    “These directions are being issued as initial steps to ensure the Act’s implementation in all respects,” the bench observed.

    Seven Key Directives

    1. Appointment of Protection Officers:
    The court ordered all States and UTs to designate officers from the Department of Women and Child Development at district and taluka levels as Protection Officers under Section 9 of the Act.

    2. Six-Week Deadline:
    Chief Secretaries and Secretaries of Women and Child Development Departments have been tasked with completing these appointments within six weeks where such designations have not already been made.

    3. Public Awareness and Training:
    Emphasising Section 11 of the Act, the Court called for widespread publicity and regular sensitisation of police, judiciary, and government officials. It also directed better coordination among Ministries handling law, health, home affairs, and human resources.

    4. Central Government Responsibility:
    The Court stated that the Centre must also fulfil its obligations under Section 11, including formulating and implementing protocols across relevant ministries to support women facing domestic abuse.

    5. Free Legal Aid for Victims:
    The Court invoked Section 9(d) of the Act and Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act to affirm that distressed women are entitled to free legal aid. The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has been directed to ensure this is communicated and implemented at all levels.

    6. Role of Legal Services Authorities:
    Member Secretaries at State, District, and Taluka levels have been instructed to actively disseminate information about legal aid availability and respond promptly to women seeking help.

    7. Shelter Homes and Service Providers:
    States and UTs must identify and notify shelter homes at district and taluka levels within ten weeks. The court also called for empanelling of NGOs and service providers under Section 10 to support victims, including with medical assistance and documentation.

    Context of the Case

    The matter reached the apex court after concerns were raised that in many states, Protection Officer duties were being assigned to officials already handling the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), burdening them further and leaving victims inadequately supported.

    Senior Advocate Shobha Gupta, representing the NGO We the Women, argued that ICDS and Anganwadi workers were overstretched and ill-equipped to handle domestic violence cases. The court concurred, stating that specialised attention is essential to safeguard vulnerable women and children.

    This ruling is expected to have a transformative impact on the enforcement of women’s rights and access to justice across India. Further compliance and review mechanisms may be introduced in future hearings.