SCLSC (Supreme Court Legal Services Committee)

Justice BR Gavai has recently been nominated as a chairperson of Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC), during the 19^th All India Legal Services Authorities Meet.

About the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC):

• The SCLSC is an institution in India that aims to provide legal aid to marginalized and weaker sections of society.
• It recognizes the financial challenges in approaching the Supreme Court, and helps to bridge the gap for those who cannot afford justice.
• It was constituted under the Legal Service Authorities Act, 1987, to provide free legal aid to eligible individuals.
• The Committee undertakes various activities to fulfil its objectives, including organizing legal awareness camps, Lok Adalats (People’s Courts), and other programs to promote legal literacy.

Composition & Funding:

• The Committee is typically composed of sitting judges of the Supreme Court, and it is headed by a sitting judge of the Supreme Court as the Executive Chairman.
• It is funded by the government, and its administration is overseen by the Executive Chairman and other members.

Challenges Addressed by SCLSC:

• It helps in overcoming financial barriers for the economically disadvantaged.
• It addresses social and economic backwardness to ensure access to justice.
• It facilitates the right to approach the Supreme Court for those lacking funds or facing disabilities.
• It collaborates with State Legal Services Authorities to extend legal aid and services to a broader range of people across different states.

Legal Aid under the Indian Constitution:

• Article 39-A emphasizes the State’s responsibility to ensure the legal system promotes justice based on equal opportunity.
  • It mandates the provision of free legal aid through legislation or schemes, preventing denial of justice due to economic or other disabilities.

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