Supreme Court empowers paralegals to aid voter ID access, validating decades of CSJ advocacy

By Gagan Sethi*
The Ahmedabad-based legal rights voluntary organisation, Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), has led a long and sustained struggle to legitimize the role of paralegals in India’s justice delivery system, advocating for their recognition as indispensable actors, particularly in supporting marginalized communities (CSJ LinkedIn, Education Times, IDR). This struggle reached a milestone, as the Supreme Court formally requested that the Election Commission appoint volunteer paralegals to assist citizens in obtaining their voter ID cards, recognizing them as essential facilitators in India’s democratic process (Bar & Bench, The Leaflet, LiveLaw).
Founded in 1993, CSJ has expanded its network of law centers from Gujarat to several states, staffed by lawyers, paralegals, and researchers (LinkedIn, Nyaaya). Its “barefoot lawyers” have bridged the gap between the judiciary and marginalized groups—women, Dalits, tribals, minorities—helping them access justice. CSJ has also collaborated with universities to create certification courses and develop master trainers for legal advocacy (Education Times, CSJ International Collaborations).
For decades, paralegals lacked official recognition, often dismissed as anyone assisting lawyers without a law degree. CSJ demonstrated their value by showing how trained paralegals not only aid in filing complaints and navigating the legal system, but also provide medical, social welfare, and rehabilitation support for survivors of abuse (Education Times, IDR).
On September 1, 2025, the Supreme Court directed Legal Services Authorities across Bihar to depute paralegal volunteers to assist voters and political parties in submitting claims, objections, and corrections to electoral rolls. Volunteers will also provide confidential reporting, further integrating their work into formal justice mechanisms (Bar & Bench, LiveLaw). This recognition by the apex court is the culmination of decades of advocacy, firmly embedding the paralegal role in India’s public institutions.
Paralegals have already proven their effectiveness by raising legal awareness, increasing reporting of violations, and serving communities in ways similar to grassroots health workers like ASHAs and Anganwadi workers (IDR). Their new role in electoral processes places them at the center of democratic participation, ensuring marginalized citizens are not excluded from voter registration (The Leaflet).
CSJ’s long campaign has transformed India’s justice infrastructure, with the Supreme Court’s directive marking a decisive validation of paralegals’ legitimacy and their enduring impact on India’s legal and civic landscape (CSJ Official Website, CSJ Twitter).
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*Founder, Centre for Social Justice, Ahmedabad

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