Justice Surya Kant, addressing Army personnel during an interaction at Leh, highlighted the indispensable role of the armed forces in safeguarding the nation’s constitutional values and called for ensuring seamless access to justice for those in uniform.
Opening his address with a tribute to the courage and silent service of Indian soldiers, Justice Surya Kant remarked that while the Constitution speaks in the language of rights, dignity, and justice, it is the armed forces that create the conditions necessary for these ideals to survive. He highlighted the historic sacrifice at Rezang La, noting that such moments reflect the enduring ethos of duty, courage, and commitment that defines the Indian soldier.
Emphasising the unique challenges faced by personnel stationed in remote and high-altitude regions, he observed that soldiers often struggle to access legal remedies due to the constraints of service. Stressing that “the nation must never place its soldiers in the position of fighting two battles at once,” he called for a system where the law reaches the soldier, rather than the soldier having to pursue justice from afar.
Justice Surya Kant reiterated that access to justice is a constitutional mandate under Article 39A and not a matter of charity. He highlighted the Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana, launched to provide free legal aid and assistance to serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Sharing progress under the scheme, he noted that thousands of beneficiaries have already been assisted, supported by a nationwide network of legal services clinics and trained personnel.
He further emphasised that legal aid must be tailored to the realities of military life, including distance, operational constraints, and the need for trust-based systems involving individuals familiar with defence backgrounds.
Concluding his address, Justice Surya Kant assured the armed forces that while they guard the nation’s frontiers, it is the responsibility of the country’s institutions to safeguard their rights and dignity. He reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that justice reaches every soldier and their families, stating that this is the least a grateful nation owes to its defenders.