Historic Appointment: Justice BV Nagarathna Takes Helm of Supreme Court Legal Services Committee

(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)

New Delhi: 2, July,2026- In a significant development, Justice Bangalore Venkataramiah (BV) Nagarathna has been designated as the new Chairperson of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC).

Her appointment, effective June 29, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for the committee responsible for ensuring access to justice for all.

Justice Nagarathna succeeds Justice JK Maheshwari, who previously held the esteemed position. This appointment aligns with the established convention where the third most senior judge of the Supreme Court assumes leadership of the SCLSC.

The Supreme Court Legal Services Committee operates under the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987, playing a crucial role in the Indian judicial system.

Its primary mandate includes offering free legal assistance to eligible individuals involved in cases before the Supreme Court. Furthermore, the committee is tasked with evaluating applications for legal aid and appointing competent legal counsel to beneficiaries in deserving circumstances, thereby upholding the constitutional right to legal representation.