For the first time in India, families of soldiers will now receive proactive legal assistance while their loved ones serve in remote and challenging terrains. This landmark initiative, named the NALSA Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana 2025, was officially launched in Srinagar by Justice Surya Kant, the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the incoming Chief Justice of India.
The purpose of the scheme is to alleviate the domestic legal burdens faced by military personnel, allowing them to focus on their duties to the nation without being distracted by unresolved family legal issues. This support will enable soldiers to serve effectively in high-stress environments while ensuring that their families are not left to navigate legal complexities alone.
At the launch event, prominent figures in attendance included Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Their presence underscored the importance of this initiative for both military personnel and their families.
The programme was conceived in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a recent counter-terror operation that brought to light the sacrifices and challenges faced by the armed forces. Reports indicate that Justice Surya Kant was profoundly moved by the difficulties experienced by soldiers and began to explore avenues through which the legal system could provide meaningful assistance.
During the announcement, Justice Kant emphasized the necessity for the legal fraternity to support those who risk their lives for the nation, ensuring that military families do not have to suffer in silence due to legal matters. He highlighted the critical need for such a scheme, particularly because soldiers stationed in high-conflict zones often face obstacles in attending court hearings related to property disputes, land cases, or family matters. For instance, a soldier deployed in Jammu and Kashmir may find it impossible to secure leave to attend a court hearing in Kerala.
Through the NALSA Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana, legal cases affecting these families will be given proper representation in court, with NALSA ensuring that their interests are adequately and effectively advocated for. The legal support will also extend to paramilitary personnel, including those in the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), all of whom operate in similar challenging circumstances.
With Justice Surya Kant poised to officially take on the role of Chief Justice of India on November 24, 2025, the establishment of this legal aid scheme represents a significant legacy for military welfare from the judiciary, marking one of his final acts as NALSA chairman. This initiative not only highlights the commitment of the legal system to the welfare of armed forces but also reinforces the moral obligation to support the families of those serving the nation.
