Legal aid is the provision of free legal assistance to individuals who are unable to afford legal representation and access to the justice system. It is a fundamental right enshrined under Article 39A of the Constitution of India and implemented through the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The aim of legal aid is to ensure equal access to justice for all, particularly for marginalized and disadvantaged sections of society such as women, children, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, persons with disabilities and others specified under the Act. By providing legal advice, representation in courts and other legal services at no cost, legal aid bridges the gap between law and justice and upholds the principle that no person shall be denied justice due to financial or social constraints.
To guarantee the fundamental right to free legal aid, effective initiatives have been taken at various levels. Multiple channels and platforms have been made available to ensure that the general public can easily access free legal services.
Needy individuals can avail free legal aid by submitting application on plain paper to NALSA, the State Legal Services Authority, High Court Legal Services Committee, District Legal Services Authority or the Sub-divisional Legal Services Committee.
Additionally, people can approach Front Offices and Legal Aid Clinics functional at Courts and Police Stations, and Village Legal Care & Support Centres operating at Gram Panchayats. These grassroots-level legal services institutions are manned by Legal Aid Lawyers and Trained Para Legal Volunteers, where individuals can seek free legal aid and advice in person.
NALSA also operates a Toll-Free Legal Aid Helpline – 15100, which provides prompt legal assistance and guidance to the public. Needy individuals can dial 15100 to avail free legal aid and services.
Eligible persons may also apply online by filling e-form for legal aid/services through the official legal services portal.