Justice Surya Kant Appointed As Chairman Of Supreme Court Legal Services Committee

Justice Surya Kant, second senior most puisne judge of the Supreme Court, has been appointed as Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC). This nomination was made by the Chief Justice of India.

The change was formalized through an amendment in Notification No. S.O. 115(E) dated February 9, 2000, which now lists “Mr. Justice Surya Kant– Chairman” as serial number (1).

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3A of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 (39 of 1987), Hon'ble the Chief Justice of India is pleased to nominate Hon'ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, Judge, Supreme Court of India, as Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee with immediate effect and makes the following amendment in its Notification No. S.O. 115(E) dated 09.02.2000 namely:- In the said Notification, for the serial number (1) and the entries relating thereto, the following shall be substituted namely: - 1. “MR. JUSTICE SURYA KANT– CHAIRMAN,” the notification reads.

Justice Surya Kant takes over the role from Justice B.R. Gavai, who previously held the position before being appointed as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). The Chief Justice of India serves as the patron-in-chief of the SCLSC.

The SCLSC was established to provide legal aid to marginalized and weaker sections of society, ensuring equal access to justice in line with Article 39-A of the Constitution. The Committee is part of a broader effort to make the Supreme Court accessible to citizens who may face financial or social barriers. Given the substantial costs associated with approaching the Supreme Court, the SCLSC aims to remove obstacles for those unable to afford legal expenses, providing assistance to eligible individuals as defined under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.