The Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) of India achieved a significant milestone on October 30th, 2020, when the Tele-Law initiative counselled its 4 millionth beneficiary. The initiative is hosted through the Common Services Centre (CSC) programme, set up as access points to deliver various electronic services in rural areas, promoting digital and financial inclusivity.
About Tele-Law
Incepted in 2017, the Tele-Law programme was launched by the Ministry of Law and Justice in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Its prime goal is to address cases at the pre-litigation stage, ensuring justice is accessible to all.
Connecting Lawyers to Litigants
Tele-Law capitalises on video conferencing facilities and telephone services to connect lawyers to individuals who need legal advice. It targets underserved communities, particularly the marginalised and disadvantaged, aiming to provide them with timely and valuable legal counsel.
The Role of Common Service Centres
Common Service Centres, under the CSC programme, are instrumental in running Tele-Law. Using smart technology like video conferencing and instant calling facilities, they enable connections between Panel Lawyers and vulnerable groups seeking legal advice.
Advantages of Tele-Law
Aside from fostering accessibility, Tele-Law helps beneficiaries save time and money spent on seeking legal advice. The service is free for those eligible for free legal aid under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987, whereas a nominal fee is levied on others. A study titled ‘Quality of Legal Representation: An Empirical Analysis of Free Legal Aid Services in India’ found that most individuals resort to free legal aid only when they can’t afford private representation.
Alignment with SDGs
Tele-Law aligns with Sustainable Development Goal-16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, access to justice for all, and the establishment of effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
The Legal Services Authorities Act
Enacted in 1987, the Legal Services Authorities (LSA) Act provides free and efficient legal services to the underprivileged, leading to the establishment of National Legal Service Authority (NALSA) and other legal institutions at various levels. Those eligible for free legal aid under the LSA Act include individuals belonging to Schedule Tribe and Schedule Caste, women, children, human trafficking victims, differently-abled persons, industrial workers, people in protective homes, and the impoverished.
Constitutional Provision
The Constitution of India also makes provisions for free legal aid under Article 39A. It mandates the State to ensure that the legal system promotes justice on an equal opportunity basis. Further, Articles 14 and 22(1) obligate the State to establish a legal system promoting equal opportunity to all citizens, regardless of their economic or other disabilities.
