Justice Surya Kant Advocates for Integrated Legal Aid and Welfare Initiatives in Meghalaya
Promoting Justice Through Integrated Welfare Schemes
A file image of Justice Surya Kant. (Photo:'X')
Nongpoh, May 10: On Saturday, Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, emphasized the importance of merging legal aid with welfare programs to ensure effective justice delivery.
While inaugurating an awareness camp in the Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya, Justice Surya Kant, who serves as the patron-in-chief of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), highlighted the integration of healthcare, education, livelihood, and rehabilitation services through these camps to guarantee that benefits reach the community level.
The awareness initiative, themed ‘Bridging the Gap,’ was organized at Marngar in Ri Bhoi district by the High Court of Meghalaya and the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA), in collaboration with the state government.
Justice Kant stated, “It is crucial that all welfare initiatives from government bodies, organizations, and legal institutions are accessible under one roof,” urging all parties to collaborate to enhance justice accessibility. He also recognized the vital role of para-legal volunteers in providing legal services at the grassroots and called for their recruitment to be strengthened.
During the event, Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan spoke about the need to harmonize traditional justice systems with constitutional principles, while also appreciating Meghalaya’s distinctive customs. He humorously noted the sweetness of the local pineapple, likening it to the amiable nature of the people of Meghalaya.
Meghalaya's Law Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui, mentioned that the MSLSA has developed a detailed state action plan that aligns with local needs while adhering to national laws and policies.
Justice Revati Mohite Dere, Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya, stated that the mega camp aimed to deliver legal assistance directly to the community. “In our democracy, justice knows no distance,” she remarked, noting that 14 such camps have been held across nine districts in the last five years, benefiting thousands.
During the program, dignitaries distributed assistive devices to individuals with disabilities, provided financial support and work orders to self-help groups and village organizations, and awarded certificates to legal aid lawyers and para-legal volunteers for their contributions in 2025.
Subsequently, High Court judges Justice HS Thangkhiew and Justice W Diengdoh launched multi-utility vehicles under the NALSA Grant-in-Aid Scheme.