CJI Gavai Leads ‘Justice for All’ Walkathon in Delhi

November 9, 2025

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai on Sunday gave the message of “Justice for All” as he flagged off and led a 4-km walkathon organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in the national capital.

“All institutions of the democracy – the executive, legislature, and judiciary – exist for the citizens; therefore, justice for all should be our motto,” CJI Gavai told reporters as he joined the event in sports gear amid tight security.

Judges and Lawyers Participate in the Event

The event featured 4 km and 8 km runs, as well as a 4 km walk in which CJI Gavai participated along with Supreme Court judges, including Justices Sanjay Karol, Vikram Nath, and J.K. Maheshwari, and several lawyers, said a representative of the SCBA.

CJI: Legal Aid Is an Act of Nation-Building

A day earlier, at the National Conference on Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms, CJI Gavai described legal aid as an act of nation-building.

“An act of legal aid is an act of nation building,” he said, adding that the legal aid movement seeks to realise Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of transforming lives.

“The aim of the legal aid movement is to give voice and dignity to those unheard,” he stated. “Dr Ambedkar had said that our struggle is not for wealth or freedom but to transform lives.”

PM Modi Highlights Success of Legal Aid Defence Counsel System

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also echoed the sentiment, noting the progress under the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System (LADCS) launched by the Government of India.

“Under the LADCS, in just three years, around 8 lakh criminal cases have been settled. These efforts have ensured ease of justice to the poor, Dalits, oppressed, exploited, and deprived people of the country,” PM Modi said.

About the LADCS Scheme

The LADCS is a comprehensive scheme providing free and quality legal representation to eligible individuals in criminal matters — from the pre-arrest stage through trial and appeals.

Established to ensure access to justice for the poor, the scheme deploys full-time, dedicated defence counsels at district headquarters to manage all aspects of criminal legal aid, functioning like a “legal clinic” for the underprivileged.