Court Directs Completion of Recruitment Process for Para-Legal Volunteers Within One Month
In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has directed the expedited selection and training of law students as Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs) under the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) Scheme. The court, presided over by Justice Jasmeet Singh, passed the order in response to a writ petition filed by law students from the University of Delhi, who alleged delays and discrimination in the recruitment process.
The petitioners, represented by Mr. Aniket Kumar Gupta and Mr. Sidharth Yadav, argued that the selection process was arbitrarily halted despite a list of eligible candidates being submitted to the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) in October 2025. They contended that the abrupt suspension of the training program, initially scheduled for November 2025, left over 600 vacancies unfilled.
The court examined the provisions of the NALSA Scheme and the National Legal Services Authority (Legal Aid Clinics) Regulations, 2011, which allow for the induction of law students as PLVs. It was noted that the scheme does not mandate a fixed proportion of PLVs from any particular stream, including law students.
Justice Singh emphasized the need for a timely selection process, especially considering that third-year law students would soon graduate. He instructed the selection committee, chaired by the Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority, to conclude the recruitment within a month, ensuring that the process adheres to existing rules and regulations.
The court's decision aims to fill the current vacancies and provide law students with the opportunity to gain practical legal experience before they graduate. The ruling reinforces the importance of transparent and efficient processes in the recruitment of PLVs, who play a critical role in legal aid and community service.
Bottom Line :
Recruitment of Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs) - Law students eligible for induction as PLVs under NALSA Scheme - No fixed proportion of PLVs to be chosen from any particular stream - Committee directed to conclude selection procedure at the earliest.
Statutory provision(s):
Constitution of India, 1950 Article 226, National Legal Services Authority (Legal Aid Clinics) Regulations, 2011 Regulation 5(4).
