Justice BR Gavai Appointed As Executive Chairman Of NALSA

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, has been appointed as the new Executive Chairman of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).

The appointment was made by the President of India Droupadi Murmu. This decision took effect on November 11, 2024, following a notification from the Ministry of Law and Justice published in the Official Gazette on November 8, 2024.

“In exercise of the powers conferred under Clause (b) of sub-section (2) of Section 3 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, the President is pleased to nominate Hon'ble Shri Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Judge, Supreme Court of India, as Executive Chairman, National Legal Services Authority, with effect from 11.11.2024”, the notification read.

Justice Gavai succeeds Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the Chief Justice of India, who previously held the role. As per NALSA's convention, the position of Executive Chairman is held by the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court of India. Prior to this appointment, Justice Gavai served as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC), the body responsible for providing legal aid to litigants in the Supreme Court.

As Executive Chairman, Justice Gavai will oversee NALSA's mission to deliver accessible and free legal assistance to all citizens, with particular focus on individuals from marginalized and economically disadvantaged backgrounds across India, a press release from NALSA said.

“As Executive Chairman, Hon'ble Mr. Justice B.R. Gavai will lead NALSA's mission to provide accessible and free legal aid to all citizens, particularly those from marginalized and economically weaker sections of society pan India. His leadership is expected to further NALSA's commitment to upholding the constitutional mandate of Article 39-A, ensuring that justice is not denied to any citizen due to financial or social barriers.”