Supreme Court Justice BR Gavai, speaking at the Western Regional Conference in Kevadia, Gujarat, emphasized that it is not enough for citizens to have rights; they must be made aware of them. He said,
"Unless citizens know about their constitutional and statutory rights, they won't come forward to enforce them."
The conference was organized to commemorate 30 years of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). Justice Gavai, Executive Chairman of NALSA, launched several important initiatives during the event.
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Recalling his experiences, Justice Gavai shared how he and his team traveled across the country, including to Rajasthan, Ladakh, and the North-Eastern states. Speaking about his visit to Manipur, he said,
"We distributed legal aid material, books, and medical equipment. When we visited the Kuki camp, a senior lady welcomed me saying, 'Welcome to your home.'"
He added,
"India is your home. For every Indian, wherever they live, the entire country is their home."
Justice Gavai highlighted that Kevadia, near the Statue of Unity, was the perfect place to celebrate NALSA's journey, giving credit to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for creating a united India. He noted,
"After independence, we did not have India as we have today. The credit for united India goes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel."
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Talking about NALSA’s work, Justice Gavai focused on the issue of undertrial prisoners. He mentioned that NALSA had filed a PIL in the Supreme Court for the release of aged and terminally ill undertrials. He also informed about the 15100 helpline and awareness jingles on Doordarshan and All India Radio.
Justice Gavai detailed that NALSA now operates through 37 state authorities, 708 district authorities, 2,451 taluka authorities, and a wide network including 44,000 panel lawyers, 50,000 para-legal volunteers, and 9,000 pro bono lawyers.
He also shared that NALSA is working with the Bar Council of India to make internships with NALSA a part of the law curriculum, so students experience the meaningful work done for citizens.
Reflecting on NALSA’s journey, Justice Gavai said,
"Dr Ambedkar called the Constitution a weapon for a bloodless revolution. NALSA is a quiet revolution giving legal empowerment to the last citizen."
As he prepares to retire, Justice Gavai expressed satisfaction that he and his team tried to reach the last citizen with the message,
"Ek mutthi insaan pe haq humara bhi toh hai."
Justice Gavai thanked several personalities like actors Pankaj Tripathi, Rajkumar Rao, boxer Mary Kom, footballer Baichung Bhutia, and social workers Padma Shri Shyam Sundar Paliwal and Dr Prakash Amte for their contributions.
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Ending his speech, he quoted poet-saint Narsinh Mehta:
"Vaishnav Jan To, Tene Kahiye Je; Peed Paraaye Jaane Re; Par Dukkhe Upkaar Kare Toye; Man Abhiman Na Anne Re."
Justice Gavai also launched several major initiatives, including the redesigned NALSA website, the AI-powered chatbot "LESA," and new schemes like NALSA (JAGRITI), NALSA (DAWN), and NALSA (SAMVAD). He also introduced the “Speak Up” handbook on the POSH Act, 2013, and digital projects like NALSA @Connect, along with impactful awareness videos.
