"Today is a historic day", says Justice Ramana as Legal Service Authorities across the country mark 25 years of Legal Aid

November 9 marks the twenty-fifth day of the establishment of Legal Services Authorities, an effort to deepen access to free legal aid on Constitutional terms..Commenting on this milestone, Justice NV Ramana of the Supreme Court, who also serves as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority, said,.“Today is a historic day in the legal aid movement of India. This year marks the completion of 25 years since the establishment of the National Legal Services Authority. In recent times, we have faced numerous challenges, due to the pandemic. With the help of all of you, with innovative ideas, we attempted to overcome these problems. We could not have been successful in our endeavour without the wholehearted contribution of all the dedicated individuals who turn the constitutional vision of access to justice, into a reality. On this occasion, I express my deep appreciation for the continuing support from all Legal Services Institutions across the country.”.Legal Service Authorities across the country marked the occasion with initiatives to raise awareness about the availability of affordable legal aid. A Press Release issued by the National Legal Services Authority narrates that the Delhi State Legal Services Authority inaugurated 9 projects, Chhattisgarh and Haryana organised 100 Legal Awareness Programmes and that Andhra Pradesh held virtual lok adalat..In Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Madhya Pradesh, Legal Awareness initiatives were launched by Legal Services Authorities, the Press Note states. In Uttarakhand, Manipur, and Kerala, webinars were organised..There were events in prisons as well, to inform inmates about their legal rights, the Press Release reveals.."The Legal Services Authorities Act 1987 was enforced on 9th November 1995. In these last 25 years, Legal Services Authorities have gone strength to strength in creating a more inclusive justice system."NALSA Press Release.NALSA's Press Release further informs,."Under the guidance of the NALSA, 36 State Legal Services Authorities, 658 District Legal Services Authorities, 2277 Taluka Legal Services Committees, 39 High Court Legal Services Authorities, 47,000 Panel Advocates, and 50,000 Para Legal Volunteers are working across the country to facilitate access to justice for all.".Legal Services Authorities have provided legal aid and advice to close to 50 lakh beneficiaries, NALSA's Press Statement announces..Read the detailed Press Note here: