The Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC) recently conducted a workshop aimed at enhancing the quality of legal aid and addressing issues related to digitalization in legal services. Chaired by Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, the workshop focused on identifying key legal aid issues and devising effective solutions.
Justice Gavai, in his role as the Executive Chairman of SCLSC, emphasized the workshop’s significance in tackling legal aid challenges promptly. He highlighted the upcoming establishment of a feedback mechanism to improve the committee’s functioning. He also praised the Advocates on Record of the SCLSC, considering them as essential pillars and the voice of the committee.
During the workshop, Justice Gavai stressed the importance of facilitating interactions between legal aid counsels and jail inmates through video conferencing. He emphasized that undertrials have the right to communicate with their counsels, underscoring the need to provide platforms for such interactions.
Moreover, Justice Gavai elaborated on the concepts of Nyaya (justice) and Niti (policy) with reference to the work of Shri Amartya Sen. This discussion likely aimed to inspire legal practitioners to incorporate ethical considerations and a broader perspective into their work, aligning with Sen’s ideas on justice and policy.
Overall, the workshop chaired by Justice Gavai appears to have been a significant step towards improving legal aid services and embracing digital solutions. It aimed not only to enhance the skills and knowledge of panel lawyers but also to ensure that the legal aid system remains responsive to the needs of the underprivileged and marginalized sections of society.
The event provided panel lawyers of SCLSC with a platform to learn about and incorporate digital tools into their practice, thereby improving the efficiency and reach of legal services. Senior Advocate Vibha Datta Makhija delivered the welcome address, highlighting the historical evolution of SCLSC. Mr. Yajuvender Singh, Secretary of SCLSC, conducted a working session on the overview of digital initiatives, while Ms. Kiran Suri, Senior Advocate, led a session on the quality of legal aid. The workshop was attended by Advocates on Record and represents a significant step in SCLSC’s efforts to modernize legal aid services, ensuring their effectiveness, responsiveness, and alignment with community needs.
