Supreme Court Judges Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta recently participated in a conference titled "Green Justice: Role of Legal Services Institutions for a Green and Clean Environment and Sustainable Development", organized by the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority (RSLSA) on April 5.

As part of their visit, the judges toured Piplantri village in Rajasthan, a model for grassroots environmental activism and gender justice. For over two decades, the village has been planting 111 trees to celebrate the birth of every girl child—a tradition started by former Sarpanch Shyam Sundar Paliwal.

The judges praised the village’s inspiring environmental transformation during their visit earlier that morning.

Later in the afternoon, the conference brought together legal experts and dignitaries to discuss the intersection of environmental protection and the empowerment of girl children. Discussions revolved around the role of legal services institutions in promoting sustainable development.

Justice BR Gavai, also the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), emphasized the importance of balancing development with environmental conservation. He highlighted the judiciary's vital role in safeguarding India’s natural resources and stressed the contribution of legal aid services to environmental justice.

Calling the visit to Piplantri a “pilgrimage,” Justice Gavai remarked,

“It’s heartening to see environmental awareness growing among the youth. I read about 1,000 students in Hyderabad coming together to protect a forest—it brought a smile to my face.”

Justice Sandeep Mehta, echoing the sentiment, stated that Green Justice is not just a legal mandate but a moral duty. He proposed a shift in mindset, suggesting we replace the term "Golden Opportunity" with "Green Opportunity."

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal lauded the Rajasthan Legal Services Authority for its eco-conscious initiatives and paid homage to environmental champions like Sundar Lal Bahuguna, leader of the Chipko Movement, and Amrita Devi, who sacrificed her life to protect Khejri trees.

Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava added that Green Justice is deeply tied to fundamental rights. He highlighted how Legal Services Authorities can bridge the gap between legislation, judicial interpretation, and public awareness.

Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, Executive Chairman of RSLSA, welcomed participants and outlined the vision behind the event.

The conference also saw the inauguration of a Legal Awareness Camp focused on forest conservation and girl child empowerment. Government welfare benefits were extended to eligible attendees, and wheelchairs were distributed to specially-abled individuals. Eight girls received support under the Piplantri Panchayat Kiran Nidhi Yojana.

A major highlight was the launch of “Srijan ki Suraksha Yojana 2025 – Eco Feminism,” an innovative scheme celebrating the birth of girls by planting 11 saplings per child in selected village panchayats across Rajasthan’s 36 districts. Families will be given Green Girl Cards linking them to legal aid and government schemes. If successful, the initiative will be scaled statewide.

Several important publications were also released during the event:

• 'Asha', a NALSA SOP to prevent child marriages

• 'Nari Ki Udaan', a book celebrating women’s empowerment

• 'Green Verdicts – A Comprehensive Digest of Recent Environmental Law Cases'

• RSLSA’s 2025 calendar and annual action plan

• "Empowering Justice: RSLSA's Journey of Legal Aid & Reforms 2022–2025", a booklet chronicling three years of impactful initiatives

The event underscored the powerful link between environmental sustainability and social justice, especially for women and future generations.