In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3A of the Legal Services Authorities Act

## Report on Amendment to National Legal Services Authority Policy **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) policy, specifically concerning the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee. The amendment, enacted on August 25, 2021, appoints Mr. Justice A.M. Khanwilkar as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, replacing the previous incumbent. The key finding is that this amendment focuses on a change in leadership within the Committee, potentially impacting its direction and effectiveness. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a detailed overview of an amendment to the NALSA policy, as indicated in the provided government notification. The analysis focuses solely on the information present within the given text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This document represents an amendment to the original policy constituting the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, initially published on February 9, 2000 (S.O. 115E). * **Core Objective:** Based on the title and the text, the core objective of the original policy is to establish and maintain a functional Legal Services Committee within the Supreme Court. The amendment focuses on ensuring effective leadership and governance of this committee. **4. Background and Rationale:** This document amends the original policy to appoint a new chairman to the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee. The rationale for this specific amendment is the need to replace the previous chairman with Mr. Justice A.M. Khanwilkar. The specific reasons for the change in leadership are not detailed in this document. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This document details an amendment to the existing policy through the following action: * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The amendment directly modifies the composition of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, specifically the position of Chairman. The original policy likely listed a different individual or had a different arrangement for the chairmanship. The text refers to "serial number 1 and the entries relating thereto" being replaced. * **New Rule/Provision:** The new rule/provision established by this amendment is the appointment of "MR. JUSTICE A.M. KHANWILKAR, CHAIRMAN, Judge, Supreme Court of India." * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The immediate effect is a change in leadership. This could potentially lead to changes in the committee's priorities, strategies, and overall effectiveness depending on the specific skills, experience and views of Mr. Justice A.M. Khanwilkar. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders affected by this amendment are: * The members of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee. * The Supreme Court of India. * Individuals and organizations who rely on the services provided by the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee. * NALSA itself. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Central Authority, acting under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, is responsible for implementing this change. NALSA, specifically through Member Secretary Ashok Kumar Jain, seems to be involved in the formal notification process. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The amendment takes effect "with immediate effect" from August 25, 2021. No other specific procedures are mentioned in this provided text. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this amendment is to ensure a smooth transition of leadership within the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee. The specific impact of this change will depend on Mr. Justice A.M. Khanwilkar's leadership style and priorities. This amendment will likely result in the following changes: * A shift in the strategic direction of the committee * Altered internal processes and administrative rules * New ways of managing legal services * Increased efficiency, and better case management **9. Conclusion:** The amendment detailed in this document signifies a change in leadership within the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, with Mr. Justice A.M. Khanwilkar assuming the role of Chairman. This adjustment underscores the ongoing efforts to maintain and optimize the functionality of the Legal Services Committee. This amendment plays a crucial role in ensuring effective legal aid and services at the Supreme Court level.

Key Entities Referenced