The Uttar Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (UPSLSA) organized a Sensitization Programme on “Removing Barriers to Reproductive Autonomy through Legal Aid” at the Judicial Training & Research Institute (JTRI), Lucknow, on November 2, 2025.
The programme was inaugurated by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, Judge, Supreme Court of India & Executive Chairman, National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). The event was also graced by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vikram Nath, Judge, Supreme Court of India & Chairman, Supreme Court Legal Services Committee.
The ceremony was held in the presence of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arun Bhansali, Chief Justice, High Court of Judicature at Allahabad & Patron-in-Chief, UPSLSA; Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, Senior Judge & Executive Chairman, UPSLSA; Hon’ble Mr. Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi, Chairman, HCLSC, Allahabad; and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rajan Roy, Chairman, HCLSSC, Lucknow Bench. Hon’ble Mr. Justice D.K. Upadhyay, Chief Justice, Delhi High Court, was also present.
In his inaugural address, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant stated that “women regardless of the circumstance deserves the quite assurance that the justice delivery system will firmly stands besides her.” He praised UPSLSA’s overall achievements and reminded attendees of the constitutional duty enshrined in Article 39A.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the “NyayMarg” AI Chatbot, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country aimed at delivering justice using artificial intelligence. Launched by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vikram Nath, the chatbot is designed to expand legal access for all. Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant remarked that such technological inculcation “would bridge the gap between the beneficiary & entitlement” and help deliver justice more rapidly “to the last corner” of the country.
Dr. (Smt.) Manu Kalia, Member Secretary, UPSLSA, provided details about the new tool, explaining that “NyayMarg” is an interactive, Hindi-language chatbot available on the Android Play Store. Users can ask legal questions, and the chatbot provides answers sourced from a compilation of approximately 1,500 questions and answers based on NALSA and UPSLSA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Dr. Kalia added that there are plans to train the app in other regional languages of Uttar Pradesh to further widen its reach.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vikram Nath, in his address, quoted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women has achieved.” He lauded the efforts of UPSLSA in organizing the programme to promote sensitization on issues related to reproductive autonomy.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arun Bhansali remarked that the sensitization programme and the “NyayMarg” chatbot marked a significant step “towards the commitment of Justice for Legal Aid.”
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta welcomed the dignitaries and participants, highlighting the achievements of UPSLSA. He emphasized “making legal aid more accessible to the needy and marginalized section by expanding digital outreach.”
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi addressed the concerns of rape survivors, particularly minors, who face the trauma of sexual violence, unintended pregnancies, and social stigma. He observed that “Justice is not delivered only in judgments…it is delivered in how we treat those who come to us in vulnerability.”
A technical session was also held, chaired by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ajay Bhanot, Judge, Allahabad High Court & Chairman, High Court Juvenile Justice Committee. Experts from NIMHANS, NHM, AALI, and Vatsalya deliberated on psychological support, coordination between police, doctors, and courts, the role of legal aid in reproductive choices, and the medical and legal implications of the MTP Act.
On the same occasion, a newly constructed auditorium, “Spandan,” at the UPSLSA office in Gomti Nagar Extension, was inaugurated by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to host training programmes, conferences, and public legal awareness initiatives.
Dr. (Smt.) Manu Kalia, Member Secretary, UPSLSA, delivered the formal vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, speakers, and participants.
