Context: Justice BR Gavai has been nominated as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC) after replacing Justice Sanjiv Khanna.
What is the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC)?
- It was constituted under Section 3A of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
- Objective: To provide “free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of society”
- Composition: SCLSC consists of chairperson BR Gavai and nine members nominated by the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
- Further, the Committee can appoint officers and other employees as prescribed by the Centre, in consultation with the CJI.
Constitutional Provisions for Accessible Justice
- Article 39A: It provides for free legal aid to the poor and weaker sections of the society and ensures justice for all.
- Articles 14 (right to equality) and 22(1) (rights to be informed of grounds for arrest) also make it obligatory for the State to ensure a legal system to provide justice to everyone.
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News Source: Indian Express
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