'To Protect Rights Of Those Who Protect Our Borders' : Justice Surya Kant Launches NALSA Legal Aid Scheme For Armed Forces

Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court, on Saturday (July 26), launched a scheme of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to ensure easy access to justice for the members of the armed forces and their families.

The scheme, called the "Veer Parivaar Sahayata Yojana 2025", was launched in collaboration with the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority at the North Zone Regional Conference held at Srinagar.

The topic of the conference, held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), was “Reaffirming the Constitutional Vision of Justice for Defence Personnel and Tribals”.

Presiding over the event, Justice Surya Kant, who is also the Executive Chairman of NALSA, emphasised that Veer Parivaar Sahayata Yojana 2025 is a historic step in NALSA's 30-year journey of delivering justice to the marginalized.

“Members of our armed forces and their families face legal hurdles like any other citizen—whether land disputes, service entitlements, or matrimonial issues—but their unique service conditions make access to justice more difficult. This scheme is our solemn pledge to stand beside those who protect our borders, ensuring that their rights are not left unprotected,” he said.

In his speech, he recalled the words of Kashmiri Sufi poet Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad Mahjoor:

“व,लो हा बागवIनों, नव बहारुक शान पैदा कर;

फूलन गुल घट करान, बुलबुल तिथे सामान पैदा कर ||”

(“Come, O gardener, create the glory of a new spring; make the flowers bloom, and let the nightingales sing once again!”)

Justice Surya Kant explained, “Mahjoor Saheb's call is a reminder for us to clear the weeds of discord and nurture a spring of unity, compassion, and justice. This gathering in Kashmir is not just about technical discussions; it is about national integration and honouring the selfless service of our armed forces.”

Justice Surya Kant outlined the three pillars of the Yojana:

1. A dedicated network of Legal Services Clinics at Zilla, Rajya, and Kendriya Sainik Boards.

2. Trained Nodal Officers, legal aid counsels, and PLVs, including ex-servicemen, to assist families in a compassionate and timely manner.

3. Digital access and online redressal mechanisms, including e-Lok Adalats and online mediation, to ensure speed and convenience.

He added, “Our Constitution, through Article 39A, mandates equal access to justice for all. If we fail to extend this support to our jawans and their families, we fail in our constitutional duty. The Yojana is our way of saying that just as they safeguard our freedom, we safeguard their dignity and rights.”

Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice, commended NALSA's initiative, noting that this scheme resonates with the Government's commitment to inclusive justice, digital empowerment, and fast-tracking cases involving defence personnel.

Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, praised the scheme and stressed the need for judiciary-led technological interventions to prioritize and fast-track cases involving defence personnel, ensuring that their limited time on leave is not lost in prolonged legal processes.

Supreme Court Justices P.S. Narasimha, Rajesh Bindal, and N. Kotiswar Singh were also present.

The event was also addressed by:

• Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority, with a special focus on tribal inclusion under the SAMVAD scheme.

• Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor, UT of J&K, who assured full support of the UT administration, stating, “The Government is committed to the success of this initiative and ensuring that the Army and their families benefit immensely from the scheme.”

• Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, UT of J&K, who highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to protect the rights of defence families and hailed NALSA's proactive approach.

• Justice Sindhu Sharma, Executive Chairperson, Ladakh Legal Services Authority; and Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, PVSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, who underlined the benefits of this scheme for defence personnel.

The launch of Veer Parivaar Sahayata Yojana 2025 marks a milestone in bridging the gap between legal services and the nation's defenders, echoing NALSA's guiding motto of “Access to Justice for All.”

The event can be watched here.