12-04-2026: Governor participated in the two-day North Zone Regional Conference.

Lok Bhavan Uttarakhand-Information Wing
Press Note

Governor Participates in North Zone Regional Conference

Lok Bhavan Dehradun 12 April, 2026

The two-day North Zone Regional Conference, organized under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), New Delhi, and hosted by the Uttarakhand State Legal Services Authority, Nainital, concluded successfully today, April 12, 2026. The conference was centered on the theme “Enhancing Access to Justice” with the sub-theme “Justice Beyond Barriers: Rights, Rehabilitation & Reform for the Most Vulnerable.”

The closing session was attended by Hon’ble Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.), Hon’ble Chief Justice of India and Patron-in-Chief of NALSA Justice Surya Kant, Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, along with Hon’ble Judges of the Supreme Court and Uttarakhand High Court, judges from various High Courts of North India, and legal experts.

The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and the national anthem. Hon’ble Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court, Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, delivered the welcome address, and dignitaries were felicitated with mementos.

Judicial officers, Chairpersons, and Secretaries of District Legal Services Authorities from all districts of Uttarakhand actively participated in the conference. Various technical sessions focused on strengthening access to justice, safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities, and making the justice delivery system more effective and accessible.

Key issues discussed included effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, prison reforms, rights of undertrial prisoners, rehabilitation of acid attack survivors, and legal rights of women and children.

On this occasion, the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India launched the “Nyaya Mitra Portal,” enabling citizens to register complaints online for timely access to justice. Additionally, an e-booklet was released by Justice Vikram Nath, Executive Chairman of NALSA.

In his address, the Governor emphasized that ensuring access to justice is not merely a legal obligation but a cornerstone of democracy and constitutional commitment. He stated that justice is meaningful only when it is accessible, timely, and affordable; otherwise, delayed or costly justice loses its true purpose. He highlighted that ensuring equal access to justice for every citizen is a collective responsibility.

The Governor appreciated the initiatives of the Uttarakhand State Legal Services Authority, particularly the “Litigation-Free Village” initiative and the “One Village–One Free Legal Service” campaign, noting their significant role in reaching the last mile.

He further stated that ensuring access to justice is a shared responsibility of the judiciary, executive, legislature, and society. He expressed confidence that the deliberations of the conference would contribute to making the justice system more robust, transparent, and inclusive.

The Governor also launched an anti-drug awareness video and highlighted efforts to protect youth from substance abuse. The conference showcased initiatives such as Lok Adalats, mediation, NALSA portals, and helpline services aimed at enhancing public access to justice.

Additionally, utility vehicles were flagged off for all District Legal Services Authorities in Uttarakhand to ensure outreach of legal services in remote areas.

The conference emerged as a significant step toward building a more inclusive, accessible, and human-centric justice system, strengthening the delivery of justice to the most vulnerable sections of society.
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