Published on: Nov 09, 2025

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India-designate Justice Surya Kant on Sunday emphasized that the notion of “access to justice” is not a theoretical or abstract concept, but a sapient right that must be continually nurtured through robust institutions, professional competence, and compassionate engagement.

Speaking at the valedictory session of a national conference on “Strengthening the Legal Aid Delivery Mechanism”, Justice Kant lauded the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) for its recent initiative, the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System. He described it as a paradigm shift from individualized, fragmented legal representation to a structured, accountable framework that strengthens the defence apparatus and reinforces public trust in the justice system.

“Over the course of this conference, what has emerged most clearly is an unequivocal understanding that the notion of ‘access to justice’ is not an abstract ideal, rather a sapient right that must be continuously nurtured through institutional strength, professional competence, and compassionate engagement,” Justice Kant said. “Each deliberation conducted over this weekend has illuminated a facet of this larger mission, and together they have painted a compelling picture of how far we have travelled and how much further we must go.”

Justice Kant, who is set to assume office as the Chief Justice of India on November 24, highlighted the critical role of empanelled legal aid counsels, describing them as the first responders in India’s legal aid ecosystem. He stressed that to strengthen the justice delivery system, investment must extend beyond physical infrastructure and policy frameworks to include human capital—trained, empathetic professionals capable of serving the marginalized effectively.

“When we look at the path that NALSA, as an institution, has navigated since its inception, it is clear that it has transformed from an idea into a movement, from a statutory body into a symbol of constitutional empathy,” he said. “NALSA’s reach today extends to the remotest corners of the nation, its imprint visible in the lives of those who might otherwise have remained unseen and unheard.”

Cautioning against complacency, Justice Kant underscored that NALSA’s mission is not merely to expand its reach, but to deepen its impact through innovation, technology, and empathetic engagement. He urged stakeholders to consolidate existing gains, modernize institutional frameworks, and forge lasting partnerships with civil society, legal professionals, and government bodies.

“The coming years must be dedicated to consolidating the gains we have made, modernising the frameworks we have built, and forging lasting partnerships with key stakeholders,” he said. “While the foundation is strong, the vision enduring, and the spirit unshakeable, let us nonetheless remember that the journey of justice and compassion knows no final destination. There will always be lives to uplift, voices to empower, and hopes to rekindle.”

Justice Kant also reflected on the nature of the journey toward accessible justice, describing it as non-linear, long, and winding, requiring both introspection and imagination. “The voyage demands our constant attention, a blend of practical innovation, ethical engagement, and empathetic leadership,” he said.

The Chief Justice-designate’s remarks come at a critical time as NALSA continues to expand its legal aid mechanisms across India, incorporating technology-driven tools, digital case management systems, and enhanced outreach to underserved communities. By reinforcing both structural and human dimensions of legal aid, Justice Kant envisions a justice system that not only provides remedies but also empowers citizens, restores dignity, and fosters social equity.

NALSA’s Legal Aid Defence Counsel System, he noted, exemplifies the transition toward a more accountable and professionalized legal aid framework. By standardizing defence representation and ensuring timely, competent counsel, the initiative seeks to mitigate systemic inequities that often hinder vulnerable populations from accessing effective legal remedies.

Justice Kant concluded by reaffirming his commitment to nurturing NALSA’s mission during his tenure as Chief Justice, promising renewed energy, insight, and conviction to take the institution to greater heights of service and societal impact.

“Access to justice is not a static goal; it is a living, evolving right,” he said. “Our challenge is to ensure that this right is safeguarded, strengthened, and extended to every citizen, leaving no one unseen, unheard, or unprotected.”

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