Justice Vikram Nath Nominated as Executive Chairperson of NALSA

The President of India has nominated Justice Vikram Nath of the Supreme Court of India as the Executive Chairperson of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) with effect from November 24, 2025.

A notification in that regard was issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice, announcing the President's nomination in exercise of powers under Section 3(2)(b) of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. As per convention, the second senior judge of the Supreme Court is appointed as the NALSA Executive Chairman.

Role and Significance of NALSA

The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) plays a crucial role in ensuring access to justice for all, particularly for economically weaker sections, marginalized communities, and individuals requiring legal aid.
The Executive Chairperson leads policy formulation and oversees implementation of legal aid programmes, Lok Adalats, victim compensation schemes, and nationwide legal awareness initiatives.

Justice Vikram Nath’s appointment is expected to enhance ongoing efforts to strengthen legal aid delivery mechanisms, streamline alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes, and improve access to justice through digital and community-level initiatives.

Justice Vikram Nath: Background and Judicial Contributions

Justice Vikram Nath is considered one of the senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, known for his contributions in constitutional law, criminal jurisprudence, and administrative law.
Before his elevation to the Supreme Court, he served as the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court, where he introduced several reforms including digital court processes and improved case-management systems.

At the Supreme Court, Justice Nath has been part of several significant benches dealing with issues relating to personal liberty, judicial accountability, service law, and social justice.

What the Nomination Means for Legal Services in India

With Justice Nath’s nomination:

• NALSA is expected to continue prioritizing legal aid outreach in rural and underserved regions.

• Focus may be placed on strengthening digital legal assistance platforms, particularly post-pandemic.

• Greater emphasis may be laid on ADR mechanisms, including Lok Adalats, mediation, and settlement forums.

• Victim compensation schemes and legal literacy campaigns may receive renewed administrative support.

Legal observers believe that Justice Nath’s administrative experience and judicial clarity will contribute significantly to NALSA’s mandate of achieving “Access to Justice for All.”