Article:
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has been the beacon of upholding justice in India, especially focusing on providing legal aid to those in need. Constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987, its primary function revolves around examining and improving the efficacy of legal aid programmes, creating regulations for legal services provision, and allocating funds to legal services authorities and non-profit organizations.
Founding NALSA: A Pillar of Justice
NALSA was established in 1995 with the objective of enhancing the accessibility and quality of legal aid. Serving under the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987, its role encompasses supervising and evaluating the performance of legal aid initiatives. Additionally, it is tasked with formulating rules and guidelines for delivering legal services as per the Act.
One of NALSA’s critical duties involves assigning funds and grants to state legal services authorities and non-profit organizations. This financial aid helps these entities implement legal aid systems and initiatives effectively.
Constitutional Provisions: Ensuring Equal Legal Opportunity
Article 39A of the Constitution of India sets the mandate for promoting justice based on equal opportunity. The article emphasizes providing free legal aid, particularly for citizens who might be denied justice due to economic or other forms of disability. Similarly, Articles 14 and 22(1) obligate the State to establish equality before the law and promote justice on an equal-opportunity basis.
Objectives of Legal Services Authorities
Key goals set by Legal Services Authorities include offering free legal advice, spreading legal awareness, and organizing Lok Adalats. They also strive to promote settlement of disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms like Arbitration, Conciliation, Judicial settlement (including settlement through Lok Adalat), and Mediation. Also, they play a significant role in providing compensation to victims of crime.
Legal Services Institutions at Various Levels
NALSA operates at the national level, with the Chief Justice of India serving as the Patron-in-Chief. At the state level, each state has a State Legal Services Authority headed by the Chief Justice of the respective State High Court. The district-level legal services are managed by the District Legal Services Authority, chaired by the District Judge. The Taluka/Sub-Divisional Legal Services Committee oversees issues at the taluka/sub-division level.
Eligibility for Free Legal Services
Individuals who can benefit from the free legal services include women and children, SC/ST members, industrial workers, victims of mass disasters and violence, disabled citizens, persons in custody, and victims of human trafficking or forced labor. Individuals who have an annual income less than the stipulated amount by the respective State Government or less than Rs. 5 Lakhs for cases before the Supreme Court are also eligible.
Related Initiatives
Among the multiple initiatives launched to enhance access to justice, two notable ones are the Legal Service Mobile App and the DISHA scheme. The former facilitates easy access to legal aid for common citizens, while DISHA aims to provide a comprehensive solution on access to justice throughout India from 2021-2026.
