Patna: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant arrived in Patna on Friday for a two-day visit to Bihar, during which he will inaugurate several projects and attend events focused on child protection and rehabilitation.On Saturday, Justice Surya Kant will deliver a lecture titled “Childhood beyond drugs: Protection, care and reintegration” at Lok Bhavan. Governor Syed Ata Hasnain will deliver a special address on the same subject. The CJI’s address is expected to highlight judicial concern over substance abuse among children and young people, stressing rehabilitation, psychological care and reintegration of vulnerable minors.The main highlight of the visit is his participation in programmes organised by Bihar State Legal Services Authority (BSLSA). On Saturday, he will inaugurate India’s first “Victim Rights Centre” in Patna. The facility, a pilot project under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, will function as a single-window mechanism for crime victims.The centre will coordinate legal entitlements, records and institutional responses under one roof, helping victims avoid repeated narration of traumatic experiences before different state agencies. It is intended to improve access to justice and make victim support more responsive.During the BSLSA event, the CJI will launch a dedicated helpline to help transgender persons obtain identity certificates and access healthcare, housing and employment benefits. He will also flag off utility vehicles to expand grassroots legal aid across remote districts and release a specialised BSLSA handbook detailing the standard operating procedures for Victim Rights Centre.After the BSLSA programme, Justice Surya Kant will proceed to Patna High Court, where he will inaugurate a meeting room and an executive waiting lounge in the main building. He will also join a luncheon with Patna High Court judges at its centenary building’s Judges Lounge.
