Supreme Court Judge Justice Surya Kant has been appointed as the next Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).

His nomination was approved by President Droupadi Murmu, in exercise of the powers vested under Clause (b) of sub-section (2) of Section 3 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.

The appointment will take effect from May 14, as per the official notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice on May 9.

Justice Kant succeeds Justice BR Gavai, who is set to assume the role of Chief Justice of India. In keeping with NALSA's tradition, the post has been entrusted to the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court.

Currently serving as the Chairperson of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC), Justice Kant has played a pivotal role in advancing legal aid and access to justice, especially for economically weaker and marginalized communities. His leadership at NALSA is expected to reinforce the authority's mandate under Article 39A of the Constitution, which guarantees equal justice and free legal aid to all.

A former Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, Justice Kant is widely respected for his judicial acumen and dedication to legal reforms.

Throughout his tenure at the Supreme Court, he has been associated with several landmark judgments and has consistently advocated for the protection of fundamental rights and the strengthening of legal aid mechanisms.