Written By Rajnish
Speaking on the occasion of National Legal Services Day on 9th November Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana while appreciating the young law students who chose to join the legal aid movement said “unlike other professions, the legal profession is not about profit maximization, but about service to the society.”
NALSA was celebrating its 26th foundation day and on the occasion, Moot Court Competition was also organised. In the competition, many young law students from different institutions were participating. Throughout the speech, CJI congratulated all the participants as they are to be educated in the premier institutions of the country where knowledge and information are at their fingertips. Secondly being educated in the law, “you are empowered to be the voices of those, who have none. It is your duty to remain alert about the social realities around you and be mindful about your role in responding to the same”.
He appreciated all the young law enthusiasts who are participating in the legal aid movement in all the nooks and corners of the country. He said the “Your decision to join the legal aid movement will pave the path for a great career. This will help you inculcate empathy, understanding, and a sense of selflessness”.
Highlighting on the foundation day of NALSA the CJI said that “this day marks the beginning of our journey towards achieving the constitutional goal of Access to Justice.” As on this day in 1995, the Legal Services Authorities came into force and paved the way for legal services to the poor and needy people of the country.
CJI also pointed out that the Legal Aid Movement was institutionalised in 1995 however the actual legal movement started much before our independence during freedom struggle movement as various legal stalwarts were offering pro-bono legal services to freedom fighters.
Further CJI also highlighted that the reflection of legal aid in our constitution itself where he talks about the expression ‘Justice: Social, Economic and Political’ enunciated in the Preamble.
