Srinagar, July 27, 2025 : Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud Gavai on Sunday underscored the critical importance of legal awareness, stating that “rights without knowledge are of no use.” He was speaking at the North Zone Regional Conference of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) held in Srinagar.
Highlighting NALSA’s mission to deliver justice to the last citizen in the remotest corners of the country, the CJI said,
“Unless people are aware of their rights, those rights hold no value. NALSA is committed to spreading legal literacy — whether it’s in Ladakh, the Northeast, or Rajasthan.”
Reflecting on Kashmir’s past, the Chief Justice called for restoring the region’s age-old harmony:
“There have been aberrations over the last 35 years. But this dialogue between judges and lawyers will pave the way to revive the traditional Kashmir, where Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs coexisted peacefully.”
CJI Gavai stressed that justice must be delivered in the true spirit of the Constitution, ensuring political, social, and economic justice for all citizens.
He invoked Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision, reminding the audience that while Ambedkar brought political equality through ‘one person, one vote’, he also warned of persistent social divisions.
Expressing deep affection for the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, he said:
“Every time I visit, it feels like coming home. I’ve received immense love and warmth from the people here. The region’s tradition of Sufism promotes secularism, as envisioned in our Constitution. People of all faiths visit dargahs, temples, and other religious places.”
Responding to concerns raised by members of the Bar from Ladakh, Kashmir, and Jammu, the CJI assured them that while he may not have direct authority over certain matters, he would bring the issues to the notice of the relevant authorities and the Collegium.
