The Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (HPSLSA) is a statutory body constituted at the State level under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. It is mandated to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker and marginalized sections of society and to ensure that no individual is denied access to justice due to economic or other disadvantages.
The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, Chief Justice, High Court of Himachal Pradesh, is the Patron-in-Chief of HPSLSA, and the Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vivek Singh Thakur, Judge, High Court of Himachal Pradesh, is the Executive Chairman of the Authority.
As the implementing arm of the policies and mandate of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) within the State, HPSLSA undertakes a range of activities, including organizing Lok Adalats, promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and conducting legal awareness & outreach programs. It strives to ensure that the legal system operates on the principles of equal opportunity, justice, and inclusiveness.
To provide effective and qualitative free legal aid and services to the needy, a comprehensive network of legal services institutions is functional across the Himachal Pradesh. This includes:
- Legal Services Committee at the High Court level
- Legal Services Authorities and Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) Offices at the District level
- Legal Services Committees at the Taluka level
- Legal Aid Clinics and Front Offices in Court Complexes, Police Stations, Juvenile Justice Boards, Prisons, Health and Educational Institutions
- Village Legal Care and Support Centres at the Panchayat level
Additionally, to ensure effective representation and assistance to the weaker sections of society, Legal Aid Defense Counsels, Panel Lawyers, Retainer Lawyers and Para Legal Volunteers have been deployed throughout the State.
At the State level, HPSLSA has been constituted to implement the policies and directions of NALSA and to conduct Lok Adalats and provide legal services to the people.
At the District level, District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) have been constituted to implement legal services programmes locally. Each DLSA is located in the District Courts Complex or ADR Centre and is chaired by the District and Sessions Judge of the respective district. A full-time Secretary, from the cadre of Judicial Officers (Civil Judge) is appointed to assist in the functioning of the DLSA.
At the Taluka level, Taluk Legal Services Committees (TLSCs) are constituted to coordinate legal services activities and organize Lok Adalats. Each TLSC is chaired by a Senior Civil Judge operating within its jurisdiction and functions as its ex-officio Chairman.
The Office of HPSLSA is housed at SDA Complex, Block No. – 22, Kasumpti, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – 171009.