Legal aid services rendered will count for elevation as judge: Prasad

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad today said free legal services rendered by lawyers will be considered while assessing their names for elevation as judges.
The government will also use the services of retired judicial and executive officers to provide free legal aid services to poor litigants through digital platforms such as video conferencing at the district level.
"The government is of the view that credible, transparent legal aid should also be a component while assessing a lawyer for elevation as a judge," Prasad said at a press conference.
He said the desire to provide legal aid services must come from commitment and not for publicity.

Launching the pro-bono legal aid movement and three other schemes to facilitate legal aid and access to justice to the poor, the minister said, "Lawyers interested in volunteering for pro bono services can register online with the Department of Justice. Litigants can then apply for legal aid lawyers online and seek their advice online.