Introduction

Justice BR Gavai has been appointed as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC), succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna.

Understanding the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee

Constitution and Purpose: The SCLSC, established under Section 3A of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, aims to provide free legal services to weaker sections of society in cases under the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction.
Composition: Chaired by a sitting Supreme Court judge, the committee includes members with prescribed experience and qualifications, all nominated by the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

Current Members: As of now, the SCLSC comprises Chairperson BR Gavai and nine other members appointed by the CJI.
Staffing and Administration: The Committee can appoint officers and employees as per the Centre’s guidelines, in consultation with the CJI.

Constitutional Basis: The Indian Constitution, particularly Article 39A, emphasizes the state’s role in ensuring legal justice is accessible to all citizens, regardless of economic or other disabilities.
Historical Development: The concept of legal aid in India evolved over decades, with significant progress marked by the establishment of a national committee under Justice PN Bhagwati in 1980.

Statutory Framework: The 1987 Act provides a legal basis for offering free and competent legal services to eligible groups, including women, children, SC/ST, EWS categories, and others.
Establishment of NALSA: Formed in 1995, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) oversees legal aid programs and formulates policies for legal services.
Nationwide Network: The Act envisions a network across India for legal aid, with State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) and District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) implementing these services at state and district levels, respectively.

State-Level Implementation: Each SLSA, led by the Chief Justice of the respective High Court, executes NALSA’s policies and provides free legal services.
District and Taluk Committees: DLSAs and Taluk Legal Services Committees, chaired by district and senior civil judges respectively, conduct legal awareness programs and provide various legal services.