Srinagar, July 27, 2025— Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dr. B.R. Gavai on Saturday underscored the essential role of legal awareness in securing access to justice for all, especially the marginalised. Speaking at the North Zone Regional Conference of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in Srinagar, the Chief Justice called for greater outreach by the judiciary and legal services institutions to the remotest corners of the country.
“The judges and lawyers together have to ensure justice for the last citizen of the country. The NALSA works in this direction, and we try to take the NALSA work to remote areas of the country — be it in Ladakh, the Northeast or Rajasthan. Unless people have the knowledge of their rights, the rights are of no use,” CJI Gavai said.
Legal Awareness: A Foundation for Justice
CJI Gavai emphasised that constitutional rights must not remain theoretical. Without the people’s awareness of their rights, the very idea of justice becomes hollow. He urged legal institutions to move beyond formalities and take the promise of justice to the ground level — through awareness drives, legal aid camps, and active community engagement.
Rebuilding Kashmir’s Communal Harmony
Addressing the backdrop of the Valley, Justice Gavai also reflected on the need to restore Kashmir’s legacy of interfaith unity. “This land was once a place where Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs lived together in harmony. It is our duty to work towards restoring that spirit,” he said, calling for justice systems to foster fraternity and trust.
Justice for the Marginalised
Reiterating the constitutional goal of justice—social, economic, and political — the Chief Justice said that NALSA must continue to be the bridge between rights and remedy. He lauded the efforts of legal services authorities in reaching underserved populations, particularly in border and tribal areas.
The conference brought together judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, senior officials, and legal professionals from across northern India. They deliberated on ways to make the justice delivery system more accessible and citizen-centric.
Broader Reforms and Public Trust
CJI Gavai’s address aligns with his broader vision of judicial reforms. Recently, he committed to not accepting any government post after retirement, reinforcing the principle of judicial independence. His statements at other forums, including Oxford University, have also highlighted the transformative power of the Constitution, calling it a “quiet revolution” founded on dignity, equality, and inclusion.
In-Brief
Chief Justice Gavai’s words at the NALSA conference serve as a vital reminder: rights without knowledge are inert. By urging judges, lawyers, and institutions to work collectively to educate citizens and ensure access to justice, he affirmed the judiciary’s duty to make justice real — for every last citizen of the country.
Rights Without Knowledge Are of No Use: CJI Gavai at NALSA Conference
