‘They protect us at borders, we must protect them in courts’: Punjab legal body launches 22 legal aid clinics for soldiers

Punjab has become the first state in the country to operationalise a network of dedicated legal aid clinics exclusively for defence personnel and their families. Just three days after the launch of a nationwide legal aid movement for the armed forces and their families—envisioned and led by Supreme Court judge Justice Surya Kant—as many as 22 ‘Legal Services Clinics’ were inaugurated at district Sainik Welfare Offices in Punjab by Justice Deepak Sibal, Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and Executive Chairman of the Punjab State Legal Services Authority (PULSA).

“These clinics are conceived as legal facilitation centres, offering free legal advice, assistance, counselling, and representation in matters related to service benefits, pensions, land disputes, family issues, consumer grievances, and welfare entitlements. The initiative is a testament to the resolve that no soldier or veteran should be left unsupported in their pursuit of justice—particularly when navigating civilian legal systems post-retirement or during authorised leave from service,” said Justice Sibal.

A state-level clinic already stands inaugurated virtually by Justice Surya Kant during the regional legal services conference held in Jammu and Kashmir on July 26–27.

The initiative seeks to support those who guard the nation’s frontiers but often find themselves helpless when legal challenges arise at home.

“They guard our borders with grit—we guard their rights with resolve,” said Justice Sibal at the inauguration, adding that deployment in remote and border areas often leave many unable to attend court hearings or secure competent legal representation. As a result, issues ranging from pension claims to property disputes remain unresolved—not due to lack of merit, but due to lack of access.

Conceived under the Veer Parivaar Sahayata Yojana 2025, the clinics have been set up by PULSA in collaboration with the Kendriya, Rajya and Zila Sainik Boards, with active involvement of the Chief Justice of the High Court, Justice Sheel Nagu.

“What sets this initiative apart is not just the promise of free legal aid—but of relevant legal aid, delivered by those who understand the military ethos. Former servicemen, now trained as Para Legal Volunteers and advocates, have been engaged to serve in these clinics, ensuring that legal assistance is both competent and compassionate,” Justice Sibal asserted.

Among other things, the clinics would offer pre-litigation counselling, legal literacy sessions, and representation across a range of legal forums. They would function in close coordination with District Legal Services Authorities and Sainik Welfare Officers to ensure swift and focused intervention.