Supreme Court Judge Launches Legal Initiative for Defence Families

On July 26, 2023, a significant event unfolded at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar, marking the celebration of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), in partnership with the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, launched the Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana – 2025. This initiative aims to provide legal support to defence personnel and tribal communities, underscoring the importance of justice as both a moral and constitutional imperative.

The event featured a keynote address by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, a Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman of NALSA. He emphasized the need for a renewed commitment to justice, invoking the poetry of Ghulam Ahmad Mehjoor with the phrase “Valo ha Bhagwano, nov baharuk shan paida kar,” which calls for a new spring of justice and dignity.

Dignitaries in attendance included Sh. Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Law and Justice, and Sh. Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. The gathering also featured senior military officials and members of civil society, all united in support of the initiative.

Key Objectives and Developments

During the conference, Hon’ble Justice Sindhu Sharma, Executive Chairperson of the Ladakh Legal Services Authority, outlined the dual objectives of the initiative: to ensure justice for defence families and to facilitate access for tribal communities. She described the Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana as a symbol of national gratitude, designed to offer legal aid through trained ex-servicemen, known as Nyaya Mitras.

Chief Justice Arun Kumar Palli highlighted the need to revive protective provisions under military law, citing the neglect of the Army, Navy, and Air Force Acts. He announced the introduction of a Digital Case Management System (DTCMS) tailored specifically for the needs of defence personnel, aimed at improving the efficiency of legal processes.

The emotional weight of the event was palpable when Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, addressed the audience. He spoke about the psychological and practical burdens faced by soldiers entangled in legal proceedings during their deployments. His remarks underscored the transformative potential of the judiciary’s initiatives in alleviating these pressures.

Innovations and Future Plans

Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Executive Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority, emphasized the constitutional imperative of including tribal communities in the justice framework. He announced the establishment of 22 Samvad Units under the Samvad Scheme – 2025, aimed at extending legal services to Scheduled Tribes and nomadic groups. Innovations introduced under this scheme include mobile legal vans and partnerships with mobile hospitals, designed to reach those in remote areas.

In a significant moment, engagement letters were presented to Veer Naris and ex-servicemen who are joining the initiative as paralegal volunteers. The event concluded with the unveiling of the logo for the Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana – 2025 and the inauguration of a kiosk promoting traditional Ladakhi handicrafts, reinforcing the connection between local culture and the legal initiatives.

The collaboration between NALSA, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir, and various stakeholders signifies a comprehensive approach to ensuring justice and support for those who serve the nation, paving the way for a more inclusive legal framework.