National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).

Why in News? President Droupadi Murmu has nominated Supreme Court judge Surya Kant as the executive chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).

• The previous executive chairman of NALSA was Justice B R Gavai, judgeof the Supreme Court of India.

Relevance : UPSC Pre &  Mains

Prelims : NALSA/ District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs)/

Mains :   GS 2/ Social Justice

As per convention, the post of NALSA executive chairman is held by the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court of India.

• Justice B R Gavaiis scheduled to be sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14.
• Justice Surya Kantis currently the chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee.

 Members:

1. • Other members include senior officials and representatives from legal and governmental organizations, as specified in the Legal Services Authorities Act.

Appointment of Members

• Members of NALSA are typically drawn from judicial, legal, and administrative backgrounds.
• Key appointments, like the Executive Chairman, are made by the President of India, while other members may be appointed through prescribed government procedures.

Role and Functions of NALSA:

Legal Aid Services:

1. • Ensure free legal assistance to eligible persons (e.g., SC/ST, women, children, disabled, victims of disaster or violence, and economically weaker individuals).

Lok Adalats:

1. • Conduct Lok Adalats for the amicable resolution of cases, reducing the burden on regular courts.

Legal Literacy and Awareness:

1. • Organize programs to spread awareness about legal rights and entitlements.

Policy Implementation:

1. • Formulate and implement legal aid schemes, including those for vulnerable groups like prisoners, workers, and rural populations.

Coordination:

1. • Coordinate with State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) and District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) to implement nationwide programs.