From Rights on Paper to Rights in Practice: Justice Vikram Nath Calls for Stronger Support Systems for Women
Srinagar, June 20: Ensuring that women can fully exercise their legal rights requires more than legislation—it demands a supportive social environment, accessible institutions, and widespread legal awareness. This was the central message delivered by Supreme Court Judge and Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), Justice Vikram Nath, during a major legal empowerment event held in Srinagar.
Addressing a gathering of legal experts, judicial officers, and community stakeholders, Justice Nath emphasized that India has made significant progress in establishing legal protections for women. However, he noted that the true challenge now lies in transforming those rights into meaningful opportunities and protections in everyday life.
According to Justice Nath, laws can create a framework for equality, but genuine empowerment requires society to embrace values of dignity, respect, and inclusion. He pointed out that deeply rooted social attitudes often continue to limit women’s access to justice, education, employment, and decision-making roles despite the existence of strong legal safeguards.
The awareness programme, titled “Empowering Women and Strengthening Institutional Legal Support,” was organized by the Jammu & Kashmir State Legal Services Authority under the guidance of NALSA. The event served as a platform to examine how legal institutions can better respond to the needs of women, particularly those facing social and economic disadvantages.
Joining the discussions were distinguished members of the judiciary, including Supreme Court Judge Justice SVN Bhatti and several High Court judges. Participants explored practical strategies aimed at strengthening legal aid mechanisms and expanding access to justice at the grassroots level.
A major focus of the deliberations was the importance of legal literacy. Speakers stressed that many women remain unaware of the rights and protections available to them under the law. Increasing awareness, they argued, is essential for enabling women to seek assistance confidently and assert their rights when faced with discrimination or abuse.
Another key theme was the need to make legal services more accessible. Experts highlighted that geographical distance, financial constraints, and procedural complexities often discourage women from approaching legal institutions. Expanding outreach programmes and simplifying access to legal aid were identified as crucial steps toward overcoming these barriers.
The programme also examined the role of institutions in building public trust. Participants underscored that legal systems must be responsive, transparent, and sensitive to the challenges women encounter. Effective institutions, they noted, can serve as powerful instruments for social change when they actively support vulnerable communities.
One of the technical sessions focused specifically on women’s rights and the role of legal services institutions in ensuring access to justice. The discussion highlighted how legal aid bodies act as a vital bridge between citizens and the judicial system, helping individuals navigate legal processes that may otherwise seem overwhelming.
The event concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening institutional support networks and creating conditions where women can confidently exercise their rights. The discussions reflected a growing recognition that true gender equality is achieved not only through progressive laws but also through collective efforts to remove the obstacles that prevent those laws from making a difference in people’s lives.
As India continues its journey toward inclusive development, initiatives such as this serve as important reminders that empowerment begins when rights move beyond legal texts and become realities experienced by every woman in society.
