Chief Justice Stresses Accessibility of Justice to All Citizens
Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasizes the importance of making legal justice accessible to the underprivileged during a legal service camp in Deoghar.
Deoghar, November 2 (Daily Kiran) : Chief Justice Surya Kant of India highlighted the need for the justice system to reach the underprivileged during a state-level legal service camp in Deoghar on November 2. He emphasized that justice should not be confined to courtrooms and legal procedures but must extend to the most marginalized individuals in society.
Speaking at the event organized by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA), Justice Kant explained that true justice means that ordinary citizens benefit from their rights. He cited examples such as ensuring that elderly women receive their delayed pensions, workers get their rightful wages, children have opportunities for continued education, and timely support is provided to victimized families.
Justice Kant urged legal service organizations to proactively reach out to those in need and address their issues with sensitivity. He drew an analogy to hospitals, where medical staff provide reassurance to patients, which alleviates their distress. Similarly, he argued, those involved in the justice system must instill confidence in the needy that they are not alone in their pursuit of justice.
He stressed that access to justice must be available to every poor, marginalized, and needy individual. No one should be denied justice due to financial constraints, lack of education, or insufficient legal knowledge. It is essential to eliminate barriers that hinder access to courts and to provide legal assistance to those who require it.
Justice Kant underscored the importance of raising legal awareness in tribal and remote areas of Jharkhand, particularly through local languages. He recognized the vital role of para-legal volunteers in ensuring that legal aid reaches individuals who cannot access institutions due to geographical and resource challenges.
During the event, he inaugurated legal aid clinics at Bhishma Narayan Singh Law College in Palamu and Sarla Birla University in Ranchi via a virtual platform. The camp also facilitated the distribution of assets and assistance worth over ₹14.46 crore to 1,880 beneficiaries, including compensation checks for victims and support under various welfare schemes.
Justice Chandrashekhar from the Supreme Court praised various public welfare initiatives, including ‘Mediation for the Nation’ and the ‘NALSA Veer Family Assistance Scheme.’ Justice Apreesh Kumar Singh spoke about the important ‘Project Shishu’ aimed at protecting and advocating for orphaned and needy children in Jharkhand.
Earlier that day, Chief Justice Surya Kant offered prayers at the Baba Baidyanath Temple. The event was attended by Jharkhand High Court’s Executive Chief Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay, and other judicial and administrative officials.
