Justice Vikram Nath Appointed NALSA Executive Chairperson
Justice Vikram Nath has been appointed as the Executive Chairperson of NALSA effective November 24, 2025. Learn about NALSA’s structure, functions, and importance in providing legal aid.
Introduction
Justice Vikram Nath, senior judge of the Supreme Court of India, has been appointed as the Executive Chairperson of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
The appointment has been made by the President of India under Section 3(2)(b) of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and will take effect from November 24, 2025.
This move follows the established judicial convention of appointing the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court as the Executive Chairperson of NALSA, ensuring continuity and experienced leadership in legal aid administration.
What is NALSA?
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is the apex statutory body responsible for providing free and competent legal services to economically weaker and marginalised sections of society.
It functions under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 and fulfills the constitutional mandate of Article 39A, which guarantees equal access to justice for all citizens.
Key Objectives of NALSA
NALSA works to:
- Provide free legal aid to the poor and vulnerable sections of society
- Promote legal awareness and legal literacy across urban and rural areas
- Organise Lok Adalats for speedy and cost-effective dispute resolution
- Implement victim compensation schemes
- Facilitate access to courts through legal aid clinics and support systems
Structure of NALSA
NALSA operates through a well-defined multi-tier structure to ensure legal services reach every corner of the country:
National Level
- Patron-in-Chief: Chief Justice of India
- Executive Chairperson: Second senior-most Supreme Court judge
- Responsible for policy-making, supervision, and national-level implementation
State Level (SLSAs)
- Chaired by the Chief Justices of respective High Courts
- Coordinate legal aid programmes at the state level
District and Taluk Levels
- District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs)
- Taluk Legal Services Committees (TLSCs)
- Provide direct legal assistance through lawyers, para-legal volunteers, and Lok Adalats
This decentralised structure ensures that legal aid services are accessible even at the grassroots level.
Major Schemes and Initiatives
Legal Aid Clinics
- Provide free legal advice and assistance in rural and underserved areas
- Operate in villages, jails, and educational institutions
Lok Adalats
- National Lok Adalats and Mega Lok Adalats
- Permanent Lok Adalats under Section 22-B of the Act
- Help reduce court pendency and encourage amicable settlements
Victim Compensation Schemes
- Implemented under Section 357A CrPC
- Provide financial support to victims of crimes such as acid attacks, trafficking, and sexual offences
Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs)
- Assist citizens in understanding legal rights
- Help in filing applications and accessing legal services
- Act as a bridge between people and legal aid institutions
Targeted Social Campaigns
- Special programmes for women, senior citizens, migrant workers, and prisoners
- Focus on inclusion of transgender persons and persons with disabilities
Role of the Executive Chairperson
As Executive Chairperson, Justice Vikram Nath will:
- Oversee and supervise nationwide legal aid programmes
- Monitor implementation of NALSA schemes
- Coordinate with State and District Legal Services Authorities
- Strengthen delivery of legal aid services
- Promote digital legal services and e-governance initiatives
- Ensure effective functioning of Lok Adalats
His leadership will play a crucial role in expanding access to justice and strengthening India’s legal aid framework.
Key Highlights
- Justice Vikram Nath appointed as Executive Chairperson of NALSA
- Effective from November 24, 2025
- Appointment under Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
- Follows established judicial convention
- Focus on strengthening legal aid and access to justice
Conclusion
The appointment of Justice Vikram Nath as Executive Chairperson marks an important step in reinforcing India’s legal aid system.
With his extensive judicial experience and leadership, NALSA is expected to enhance its outreach, efficiency, and impact in delivering justice to all sections of society.
This development reflects the judiciary’s continued commitment to making justice accessible, inclusive, and effective for every citizen.
