The Indian Constitution recognizes the fundamental rights of every individual, regardless of their social and economic status, according to Chief Justice of India, Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud. Speaking at the 19th All India Legal Services Authorities Meet in Srinagar, Justice Chandrachud highlighted that the Constitution aims to establish a social order based on the principles of Liberty, Equality, and Social Justice.
The event was graced by the presence of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Dr B D Mishra, Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Supreme Court judges. The Chief Justice praised the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and J&K Legal Services Authority for organizing the event, which brought together the knowledge and experience of the Indian Judiciary.
Justice Chandrachud expressed his gratitude to NALSA and all the members of Legal Services Authorities, lawyers, and para-legal volunteers for their efforts in making the constitutional goal of social justice a reality. He also emphasized the significance of the All India Legal Services Authorities meet in mainstreaming J&K and Ladakh in the development discourse of India.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha applauded the achievements of the Legal Services Authorities in providing free legal aid to weaker sections of society and ensuring justice and social equity. He commended their efforts to strengthen the Legal Aid movement and promote legal literacy, particularly in rural areas of J&K. Lt Governor Sinha called the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987 a revolutionary step in India’s judicial system, emphasizing the importance of providing justice to all citizens.
Furthermore, Lt Governor Sinha highlighted the major reforms introduced in J&K to ensure socio-economic equality and access to justice under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He specifically mentioned the abrogation of Article 370, stating that it brought social equity and inclusive development to the region, opening up opportunities for the weaker sections of society who had been deprived of the benefits of parliamentary legislation.
Lt Governor of Ladakh Dr B D Mishra commended the National Legal Services Authority for its efforts in ensuring access to justice for the weak, poor, and marginalized. Arjun Ram Meghwal, the Union Minister of State for Law and Justice, praised the All India Legal Services Authorities’ Meet in Srinagar as a milestone in the future journey of the National Legal Services Authority. He emphasized the importance of revitalizing the Indian Justice Delivery System and strengthening the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System.
Overall, the event highlighted the commitment to upholding the fundamental rights of individuals as enshrined in the Indian Constitution and the efforts being made to ensure equal access to justice for all citizens. The speakers acknowledged the role of Legal Services Authorities in providing legal aid, promoting legal literacy, and working towards social justice and equality. The meet served as a platform for sharing experiences and knowledge to further advance the legal system in India.
