Justice Vikram Nath Appointed as New NALSA Executive Chairperson, To Lead National Legal Aid Framework
In 2021, Justice Vikram Nath was promoted to the Supreme Court. (sci.gov.in)
New Delhi: The President of India has nominated Supreme Court judge Justice Vikram Nath as the new Executive Chairperson of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), with the appointment taking effect from November 24. The notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice on November 19 confirmed that the nomination was made under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
As per longstanding convention, the role is assigned to the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court. Justice Nath, currently next in line after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, succeeds him in this key administrative position. He is also set to become the Chief Justice of India for a seven-month term between February 10 and September 24, 2027, based on the established seniority line of succession.
Background and Leadership Mandate
NALSA, in an official statement, said that Justice Nath’s leadership is expected to strengthen the institution’s constitutional mandate under Article 39A, which guarantees that no citizen is denied access to justice due to financial or social limitations. The authority oversees free and competent legal assistance for marginalized groups, including economically weaker citizens, vulnerable communities, and individuals unable to afford representation.
Prior to this appointment, Justice Nath served as Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC), where he played a pivotal role in expanding legal access, improving case management, and pushing for institutional reforms aligned with citizen-centric justice delivery.
Judicial Career and Key Contributions
Justice Vikram Nath was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2021, after serving as Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court. His tenure at the apex court has been marked by involvement in significant constitutional deliberations and landmark judgments with impact across governance, civil liberties, and public policy.
Among his most prominent assignments was his role on the five-judge Constitution bench that examined the President’s Article 143 reference on delays in granting assent to state bills. The bench held that neither Governors nor the President could be bound by judicially mandated timelines for assent, warning that such constraints would disturb the separation of powers framework. The ruling overturned a controversial 2023 decision in the Tamil Nadu case, which had imposed strict deadlines and introduced the principle of “deemed assent.”
The Constitution bench observed that the prior ruling had created “confusion and doubt”, making clarification necessary.
Other Noteworthy Judgments
Justice Nath also presided over key matters including:
- the modification of previous court directions on mass capture and non-release of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, instructing states and Union territories to remove stray animals from sensitive public spaces such as hospitals, schools, transport hubs, and sports complexes
- seeking the Union government’s position on compensation for individuals acquitted after years on death row, following exoneration in cases involving murder, rape, and POCSO violations
- authoring the judgment that acquitted Surendra Koli in the remaining Nithari killing case, noting that the conviction could not stand when he had already been acquitted in 12 related cases
- issuing mental health protection guidelines for students, especially in coaching hubs, alongside Justice Sandeep Mehta, addressing rising suicide risks and institutional responsibility
Legal scholars note that Justice Nath’s judicial record reflects a balance between constitutional restraint, social sensitivity, and systemic accountability, particularly in matters involving vulnerable groups, state responsibility, and justice reform.
What His Appointment Means
Justice Nath’s leadership at NALSA is expected to accelerate:
- expansion of free legal aid infrastructure
- technology-enabled access to justice
- training and strengthening of legal aid panels
- reforms for underserved and remote regions
- support systems for citizens facing systemic disadvantage
Policy experts also point to the rising national caseload among economically weaker litigants, making his role strategic at a time when the judiciary is pushing for faster, fairer, and more inclusive justice mechanisms.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Justice Vikram Nath’s appointment marks a significant chapter for India’s legal aid system at a time when access to justice remains a pressing national priority. His judicial background, reform-focused approach, and upcoming elevation as Chief Justice position him to influence long-term structural improvements within NALSA. As legal vulnerabilities continue to intersect with social and economic inequality, his leadership will play a vital role in shaping how India upholds the constitutional promise of equal justice for all. TheTrendingPeople.com will continue to track developments, policy reforms, and national initiatives advancing citizen-centric justice delivery.