Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ashutosh Kumar, Chief Justice, Gauhati High Court & Patron-in-Chief, Assam SLSA, welcomed dignitaries and participants to the NALSA East-Zone Regional Conference in Guwahati. The two-day conference, organised jointly by the Assam SLSA and Gauhati High Court, brings together representatives from 12 states, including all seven Northeastern States, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Sikkim.
Justice Kumar extended a warm welcome to Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, Executive Chairman, NALSA, and other esteemed members of the judiciary, government officials, legal aid counsels, and volunteers. He noted that the conference is a “moment of pride and responsibility” for Assam SLSA, underscoring the collective commitment of Eastern and Northeastern States to the constitutional promise of equal justice and free legal aid under Article 39A.
Expressing deep appreciation for Hon’ble Justice Surya Kant’s leadership, he said, “His Lordship’s unwavering commitment to inclusive justice continues to inspire all of us in our resolve to work relentlessly for ensuring that legal aid reaches every corner of the nation.” Justice Kumar also thanked Justice Surya Kant for inaugurating the ‘NALSA Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana 2025’, a new initiative providing free legal aid to serving and retired defence personnel and their families.
He emphasised that the scheme carries special significance for the Northeastern region, which has contributed immensely to the nation’s armed forces. “The Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana resonates deeply with the people of this region,” he said. “It is only just that we stand beside our brave soldiers and their families, ensuring that they never feel abandoned when it comes to accessing justice.”
Justice Kumar also extended heartfelt thanks to Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, for his consistent support to the judiciary and legal services institutions. “Assam has always been at the forefront of social reform and inclusive governance,” he remarked, “and under the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, the State continues to demonstrate its commitment to justice, equity, and development.”
In closing, Justice Ashutosh Kumar expressed confidence that the deliberations over the two days would help identify actionable strategies to address region-specific issues such as child marriage, narcotics abuse, legal aid for tribal and tea garden communities, and mental health support, aligning local realities with national priorities.
He said, “This conference is not merely an administrative exercise; it is a reaffirmation of our collective faith in the Constitution that justice, in all its dimensions, must remain accessible, affordable, and humane.”