Educational Purpose: This page provides educational information about legal aid services. For free legal aid, please contact your local Legal Services Authority.
What is Legal Aid?
Free legal aid provides free legal services to eligible citizens who cannot afford legal representation. Article 39A of the Constitution mandates free legal aid.
Who is Eligible for Free Legal Aid?
- Members of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes
- Victims of human trafficking
- Women and children
- Mentally ill or disabled persons
- Industrial workmen
- Victims of natural disasters/violence
- Persons in custody (including juvenile homes)
- Persons with annual income below limits prescribed by state
Types of Legal Aid Services
- Free legal advice and guidance
- Free representation in court
- Drafting of legal documents
- Payment of court fees and process fees
- Supply of certified copies of judgments/orders
- Lok Adalat dispute resolution
How to Apply for Free Legal Aid
1 Contact your nearest Legal Services Authority (District, State, or National)
2 Fill legal aid application form
3 Submit income proof and case documents
4 Authority verifies eligibility
5 Advocate is appointed for representation
Structure of Legal Services Authorities
- NALSA: National level - policy and funding
- SLSA: State Legal Services Authority (each state)
- DLSA: District Legal Services Authority (each district)
- TLSC: Taluk Legal Services Committee (taluk level)
Important: Legal aid is not available for defamation, contempt of court, election petitions, or frivolous cases. Advocate-client relationship exists between the aided person and the appointed advocate.
Lok Adalat
Lok Adalat is a forum for dispute settlement through compromise. No court fee; award is final and binding. Pre-litigation and pending cases can be referred.