Make Effective Use Of Social Media To Reach Out To Beneficiaries: CJI Chandrachud To Legal Services Authorities

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dr DY Chandrachud on Friday called upon legal services authorities to leverage the power of social media to connect with beneficiaries and individuals requiring legal assistance. The CJI made these remarks during his inaugural address at the 19th All India Legal Services Authorities meet in Srinagar.

He emphasized that although the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has made significant efforts to raise awareness about the availability of free legal aid, many citizens still remain uninformed.

"If they (citizens) have to depend on a lawyer to secure information about the legal services authority, then I ask myself if we have made the system accessible enough? I urge legal services institutions to become more proactive in bringing citizens within the fold of legal aid and services. One way to achieve this goal is to make effective use of social media, to reach out to the target beneficiaries," the CJI said.

CJI Chandrachud acknowledged the judiciary's reputation for being a poor communicator and said that social media could serve as a valuable tool to enhance communication effectiveness. 

"The judiciary has been a poor communicator for the simple reason that we feel that we are not here to market ourselves. We are not marketing institutions. But we need to use social media, which is the effective form of communication today," he said.

The CJI placed further emphasis on the significance of providing competent and high-quality legal aid to foster trust among the populace. He emphasized the need to enhance the skills and capabilities of lawyers and paralegal volunteers to ensure that the legal aid services provided are of the utmost quality.

He also stressed on greater representation of women and transgender persons in the legal institutions "to serve as lawyers and paralegal volunteers". The CJI said their presence will help legal services institutions in reaching out to women and transgender community.