The NALSA North Zone Regional Conference 2026 concluded in Uttarakhand, focusing on enhancing access to justice, legal rights of vulnerable groups, prison reforms, and launch of Nyaya Mitra Portal.
In a significant step toward strengthening equal access to justice, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), New Delhi, in collaboration with the Uttarakhand State Legal Services Authority, Nainital, successfully concluded the two-day North Zone Regional Conference on April 12, 2026. The conference was centered on the theme “Enhancing Access to Justice,” with a broader focus on “Justice Beyond Barriers: Rights, Rehabilitation & Reform for the Most Vulnerable.”
The valedictory session witnessed the distinguished presence of Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India and Patron-in-Chief of NALSA; Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State for Law and Justice; Lieutenant General (Retd) Gurmit Singh, Governor of Uttarakhand; and Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand.
The program commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp followed by the national anthem. Manoj Kumar Gupta, Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the significance and objectives of the conference. Dignitaries were also honored with mementos.
The conference saw active participation from Chairpersons, Secretaries, and judicial officers of District Legal Services Authorities across all districts of Uttarakhand. Through a series of technical sessions, extensive deliberations were held on strengthening access to justice, safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities, and making the justice delivery system more transparent, efficient, and accessible.
Key areas of discussion included the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006, prison reforms, rights of undertrial prisoners, rehabilitation of acid attack survivors, and legal rights of women and children. Experts emphasized the need for practical solutions and policy reforms in these critical areas.
On this occasion, the Chief Justice of India launched the “Nyaya Mitra Portal,” aimed at enabling citizens to file complaints online and access timely justice. Additionally, Justice Vikram Nath, Executive Chairman of NALSA, released an e-booklet.
The Governor also launched an anti-drug awareness video, highlighting ongoing efforts to protect youth from substance abuse and promote social awareness. The conference further showcased initiatives such as Lok Adalats, mediation, NALSA portal, and helpline services to bring justice closer to the common people.
Moreover, utility vehicles were flagged off for all District Legal Services Authorities in Uttarakhand to ensure the delivery of legal services in remote and inaccessible areas, thereby expanding outreach and effectiveness.
Overall, the conference marked a significant milestone in making the justice system more inclusive, accessible, and people-centric, reinforcing the commitment to ensuring effective legal aid and justice delivery for the most vulnerable sections of society.
