Punjab Legal Services Authority Updates Judicial Member Appointment Through Notification

The Punjab State Legal Services Authority issued a new notification, S.O. 43/C.A.39/1987/S.8-A/2023, on June 13, 2023, amending a previous notification concerning the appointment of a judicial member. This delegated legislation was published in the Punjab Government Gazette (Extraordinary) on June 14, 2023. The notification was issued by the Punjab State Legal Services Authority in consultation with the Hon'ble Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court, exercising powers conferred by section 8-A of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 (Central Act No. 39 of 1987), along with all other enabling powers. The primary effect of this amendment is a change in the designated judicial authority. The legislation provided: “In the said notification, for the words "Hon'ble Mr. Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia", the words "Hon'ble Mrs. Justice Lisa Gill" shall be substituted.” This substitution updates the official record regarding the judicial member of the Punjab State Legal Services Authority. The notification specifies that this change is deemed to have come into force on May 31, 2023.

The legislative intent behind this notification is to ensure the accurate and current representation of the judicial member within the Punjab State Legal Services Authority, a statutory body responsible for providing free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of society and organizing Lok Adalats. The earlier legal position, as established by Notification No. S.O.84/C.A.39/1987/S.8-A/2022, dated November 21, 2022, designated Hon'ble Mr. Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia for the role. The current amendment addresses the need to reflect changes in judicial appointments or assignments, thereby maintaining the proper functioning and composition of the Authority as mandated by the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. This administrative update ensures that the official records align with the current judicial landscape, thereby upholding the statutory framework governing legal aid services in the state. The amendment does not introduce new rights or obligations but rather updates the personnel responsible for overseeing the Authority's functions, ensuring continuity and adherence to the Act's provisions.

Keywords: Punjab Legal Services Authority, Legal Services Authorities Act, judicial appointment, notification, amendment, Lisa Gill, Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, delegated legislation, legal aid Geo Tags: India, Punjab District: Not Applicable