The National Legal Services Day (NLSD) is an annual observance on 9th November, aimed at enhancing awareness that ensures a reasonable, fair, and just procedure for all citizens. It targets educating the public about different provisions under the Legal Services Authorities Act and the rights of litigants. Activities held on this day include legal aid camps, Lok Adalats, and other legal aid programmes.
The Inception of NLSD and Its Significance
The genesis of NLSD dates back to 1995, when the Supreme Court of India launched it to offer support and assistance to the society’s impoverished and weaker segments. Free legal services are extended to cases heard before Civil, Criminal, and Revenue Courts or any other bodies exercising judicial or quasi-judicial functions. The key purpose of this day is to enlighten the country’s populace about their rights and the various provisions available to them under the Legal Services Authorities Act.
Constitutional Provisions Supporting Legal Services
India’s Constitution underpins the provision of legal services. Particularly, Article 39A mandates the State to ensure that the legal system promotes justice equally. This includes offering free legal aid through appropriate legislation, schemes, or other methods, thereby guaranteeing that no citizen is denied justice due to economic or other disabilities. Other supporting articles are Article 14 and Article 22(1), which obligate the State to uphold equality before the law and a legal system that dispenses justice based on equal opportunity to everyone.
Aims of the Legal Services Authorities
The Legal Services Authorities have multiple objectives. They aim to provide free legal aid and advice, spread legal awareness, and organise Lok Adalats. They promote dispute settlements through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms like Arbitration, Conciliation, Judicial settlement, settlement through Lok Adalat, and Mediation. Legal services authorities also oversee the provision of compensation to victims of crime.
Institutions Providing Free Legal Services
Legal services are offered free of charge through various institutions:
– At the national level, it’s provided by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The Chief Justice of India serves as the Patron-in-Chief.
– At the state level, the State Legal Services Authority, led by the State High Court’s Chief Justice as its Patron-in-Chief, offers these services.
– At the district level, the District Legal Services Authority headed by the District Judge provides these services.
– Taluka/Sub-divisional Level: The Taluka/Sub-Divisional Legal Services Committee, headed by a senior Civil Judge, facilitates legal services.
– High Court: High Court Legal Services Committee
– Supreme Court: Supreme Court Legal Services Committee.
Eligibility for Free Legal Services
Various demographics are eligible for free legal services, including women and children, members of SC/ST, industrial workmen, victims of mass disasters, violence, flood, drought, earthquake, industrial disasters, disabled persons, persons in custody, and victims of human trafficking or begar. Additionally, individuals with an annual income less than an amount set by the respective state government for cases before any court other than the Supreme Court, and less than Rs. 5 Lakhs for cases before the Supreme Court, are eligible.
Conclusion
Overall, National Legal Services Day plays a crucial role in promoting awareness about the rights and resources available to citizens within India’s legal system. Individuals are encouraged to take advantage of the free legal services extended to them, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
