Jammu & Kashmir | July 26, 2025 — In a landmark move to enhance legal aid outreach to the armed forces community, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) on Saturday launched the “NALSA Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana, 2025” during a Regional Conference held in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
The scheme, aimed at providing free and competent legal services to defence personnel, ex-servicemen, and their families, will be implemented through a nationwide network of Legal Services Clinics established across Rajya and Zila Sainik Boards in all states and union territories. These clinics will operate in close collaboration with the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence, and respective Directorates of Sainik Welfare.
The official launch was led by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman of NALSA, alongside Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Patron-in-Chief of the J&K Legal Services Authority. The event was graced by several eminent dignitaries including Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Minister of State for Law and Justice, Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, and Lt. Gen. Pratik Sharma, PVSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command.
As part of the national implementation, the Legal Services Clinic at the Rajya Sainik Board in Shillong, Meghalaya, will serve as a critical legal aid hub for serving personnel, veterans, and their families in the region. The clinic will be manned by Legal Aid Counsels and Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) from the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Shillong, ensuring prompt and effective legal redressal in line with the scheme’s objectives.
The virtual launch was also attended by key judicial leaders from Meghalaya, including Hon’ble Mr. Justice I.P. Mukerji, Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya & Patron-in-Chief, MSLSA, and Hon’ble Mr. Justice H.S. Thangkhiew, Executive Chairman, MSLSA. Also present were Shri E. Kharumnuid, Registrar General of the High Court of Meghalaya & Member Secretary, MSLSA, and Shri T.T.M. Sangma, Officer on Special Duty, MSLSA.
Senior defence veterans from Meghalaya — including Col. Darryl Hopkins (Retd.), Director of Sainik Welfare, and Lt. Col. Shabestian Marbaniang (Retd.), Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, Shillong — participated in the proceedings alongside officials and volunteers from MSLSA, Directorate of Sainik Welfare, legal aid counsels, and para-legal volunteers.
The Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana 2025 marks a significant milestone in legal service delivery for India’s defence community, underscoring NALSA’s commitment to justice for all.
Issued by:
Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA), Shillong
Date: July 26, 2025
