New Delhi: The Chief Justice of India (CJI), Bhushan R Gavai, sparked excitement on Sunday with a bold idea to reshape India’s legal aid setup. Speaking at the National Conference on “Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms,” he insisted that legal services authorities need a major makeover to work better and longer. The star of his show? Advisory committees made up of current and future executive chairpersons of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs). Why this mix? Because legal aid work often changes direction whenever new leaders take charge, making it tough to keep projects on track. CJI Gavai explained, “While this brings diversity of ideas, it also makes continuity and sustained implementation a challenge.” He wants these committees to meet regularly and plan with long-term goals in mind. Right now, the CJI is the head of NALSA, and the executive chairperson is Justice Surya Kant, who will become the next CJI this November 24. The CJI stressed that a strong legal aid system needs memory, teamwork, and steady actions—not just quick efforts tied to individuals. "Such an arrangement would help institutionalise vision-based planning and ensure that key programmes, whether related to access to justice, awareness, or digital transformation, are carried forward consistently, regardless of administrative changes," he said. This idea will build a united culture where decisions and responsibilities are shared, but the mission to give justice to every citizen stays rock-solid. But there’s more spice! Justice Gavai wants regular, honest reviews to see if legal aid changes lives — not just counts numbers. “Progress is never measured merely by intentions or initiatives, but by our ability to assess their impact in people’s lives,” he said. He pushed for social audits with help from universities, researchers, and NGOs to keep things honest and improve results. The CJI also shared his own trips to far-flung and conflict-hit regions as NALSA’s executive chairperson. He believes legal aid calls for heart and care, not just paperwork. Legal workers should connect deeply with communities, district officials, and volunteers. He urged for timely pay, training, and mental support for the frontline heroes — paralegal volunteers, defense lawyers, and panel lawyers — who carry the legal aid movement. “Legal aid is not an act of charity but a moral duty. Its success depends on the commitment, training and well-being of those who stand on the frontlines,” said the CJI, wrapping his powerful message.