Justice for the brave: Legal aid clinics launched

With a mission to extend legal support to the families of India’s defence personnel, the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, virtually inaugurated a Legal Services Clinic in Shimla. The initiative falls under the NALSA Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana, a newly launched national scheme designed to offer free legal aid, advice and assistance to Army and paramilitary personnel and their families.

The Chief Justice, who also serves as the Patron-in-Chief of the Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (HPSLSA), inaugurated the scheme during a formal online ceremony. He was joined by Justice Vivek Singh Thakur, Executive Chairman of HPSLSA, along with other judges of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, reaffirming the judiciary’s commitment to serving those who have served the nation.

As part of the initiative, Legal Services Clinics were also inaugurated at the District Sainik Welfare Boards in Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti. These clinics mark a major step forward in ensuring justice and legal empowerment for soldiers, ex-servicemen and the families of martyred heroes, especially in remote regions.

The core objective of these clinics is to provide accessible legal aid and awareness to the armed forces community. Whether it’s guidance on pension rights, service disputes, property issues or benefits due, the clinics aim to empower personnel and their families to understand and assert their legal rights.

The event witnessed the presence of several distinguished members of the judiciary, including Justice Vivek Singh Thakur and other High Court Judges. Their participation emphasised the judiciary’s growing outreach and its role in promoting inclusive justice.