Speed, clarity, compassion must for accessible legal aid, says Justice Kant

Legal aid in the country must evolve into a system that responds with “speed, clarity and compassion” to ensure that justice becomes genuinely affordable and accessible to all, Chief Justice of India (CJI)-designate justice Surya Kant said on Saturday.

- Utkarsh Anand

Speaking as executive chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), the judge emphasised that technology alone cannot bridge gaps in access to justice unless it is rooted in local knowledge, linguistic accessibility and human empathy.

“Looking ahead, we must make legal help easier to obtain. That demands both administrative reforms and humane practice,” said justice Kant, while delivering the welcome address at the inaugural session of a national conference held to mark Legal Services Day.