The celebration of National Legal Services Day (NLSD) on the 9th November each year is a noteworthy event aimed at fostering awareness about just and fair legal procedures, accessible to all citizens. Introduced by the Supreme Court of India in 1995, this special day serves as a platform to extend support to the indigent and vulnerable sections of society.
The Working Structure of Legal Services Authorities
One of the primary objectives of Legal Services Authorities is to offer free advice and legal aid. Additionally, they take up the role of spreading legal awareness, organizing lok adalats and promoting settlement of disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms.
ADR mechanisms engage a variety of methods like Arbitration, Conciliation, Judicial settlement including settlement through Lok Adalat, or Mediation. Furthermore, Legal Services Authorities are instrumental in providing compensation to victims of crime.
Eligibility for Free Legal Services
Free legal services are extended to several categories of people. These include women and children, persons with disability, members of Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribes, industrial workmen, individuals in custody and victims of natural disasters, ethnic/caste violence or industrial disaster. Additionally, victims of human trafficking, begar or those with an annual income of less than Rs. 1,00,000/- or as notified by the Central/State Governments, are also eligible for these services.
Institution Levels for Providing Free Legal Services
Legal services are rendered at multiple levels, which include:
– National Level: National Legal Services Authority
– State Level: State Legal Services Authority, headed by the Chief Justice of the State High Court who is its Patron-in-Chief. A serving or retired Judge of the High Court is designated as its Executive Chairman.
– District Level: District Legal Services Authority, headed by the District Judge of the district as its ex-officio Chairman.
– Taluka/ Sub-Division Level: Taluka/ Sub-Divisional Legal Services Committee, led by a senior Civil Judge.
– High Court: High Court Legal Services Committee
– Supreme Court: Supreme Court Legal Services Committee
Role and Reach of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)
To ensure effective implementation of these services, NALSA collaborates tightly with State Legal Services Authorities, District Legal Services Authorities and other related agencies.
| Institution | Level |
|---|---|
| National Legal Services Authority | National |
| State Legal Services Authority | State |
| District Legal Services Authority | District |
| Taluka/ Sub-Divisional Legal Services Committee | Sub-Division |
| High Court Legal Services Committee | High Court |
| Supreme Court Legal Services Committee | Supreme Court |
NALSA’s Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals
Constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, NALSA was officially launched on November 9, 1995. The purpose was to establish a uniform network across the nation for providing free and competent legal services to the weaker members of society. Its executive hierarchy consists of the Chief Justice of India as the Patron-in-Chief and the second senior-most Judge of Supreme Court of India as the Executive Chairman. Guided by Article 39 A of the Constitution, NALSA, adhering to Article 14 and Article 22 (1), promises free legal aid to the economically disadvantaged and ensures equality before law.
Fulfilling this mandate makes NALSA a key player in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal-16. This goal highlights the need to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels”.
