CJI designate Surya Kant stated on Sunday that every woman has to know that the legal system is firmly on her side. He emphasised that regardless of women's situations, the justice delivery system must provide them with unshakeable assurance.
According to a statement, Kant was speaking at a sensitization event on "Removing barriers to reproductive autonomy through legal aid" at the Judicial Training and Research Institute (JTRI), Lucknow.
Prominent representatives from the Supreme Court and the Allahabad High Court gathered for the event, which was organized by the Uttar Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (UPSLSA), to have a thorough conversation about women's reproductive rights and judicial protection.
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) executive chairman, Justice Surya Kant, unveiled the program and the 'Nyay Marg' AI chatbot, an effort to make legal help available online.
Justice Surya Kant stated, "Every woman must have the confidence that the justice system stands firmly with her." Reiterating the constitutional obligation under Article 39A to guarantee free legal assistance, he praised the UPSLSA's efforts and referred to the inauguration of Nyay Marg and the sensitisation program.
The chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, Justice Vikram Nath, said that "the progress of any community is measured by the progress of its women" and cited B R Ambedkar. He applauded the action as a positive start toward raising legal awareness and removing obstacles to reproductive liberty.
While Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta emphasised the need to "enhance the effectiveness of legal aid through digital means," Chief Justice Arun Bhansali of the Allahabad High Court and patron in chief of UPSLSA called the Nyay Marg chatbot "a crucial step towards strengthening access to justice."
Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi said, "Justice lies not only in judgments but also in the compassion with which we treat those in distress," drawing attention to the predicament of rape survivors and young girls dealing with unintended pregnancies. A technical session led by Allahabad High Court judge and High Court Juvenile Justice Committee head Justice Ajay Bhanot was part of the program.
Experts from NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences), NHM (National Health Mission), and AALI (Association for Advocacy and Legal Initiatives) discussed issues like unwanted motherhood, psychological support, institutional coordination, and the medical and legal aspects of the MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) Act.
The conversations emphasised the significance of psychosocial support, rape survivors' rehabilitation, prompt medical help, and better coordination between law enforcement, medical professionals, and courts.
The recently built "Spandan" auditorium at the UPSLSA office in Gomti Nagar Extension was also officially opened by Justice Surya Kant. The state of the art building will act as a focal point for conferences, training courses, and public awareness campaigns.
Manu Kalia, member secretary of UPSLSA, gave the vote of thanks and thanked everyone for their support of the goal of providing compassionate and inclusive legal services throughout Uttar Pradesh.
