30 Years of Legal Services Authority Act,1987
- Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 marks 30 years of Implementation.
About Legal Services Authorities Act
- The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, is a landmark piece of legislation in India that aims to fulfil the constitutional promise of justice for all.
- Though enacted in 1987, the nationwide network under the act came into force in November 1995.
- The idea of a legal aid programme was floated in the 1950s.
- In 1980, the Committee for Implementing Legal Aid Schemes (CILAS) was established under the chairmanship of then SC judge Justice PN Bhagwati.
- Enacted to give practical effect to Article 39-A of the Indian Constitution, the Act’s primary objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of society.
- Legal aid forms part of the broader right to equality and fair trial (Articles 14 & 21) as recognised by Supreme Court judgments (Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar, 1979).
Institutional Framework
- The Act prescribes a multi-tiered structure of authorities to implement and monitor legal services:
| Level | Authority / Committee | Heading Position |
|---|---|---|
| National | National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) | Constituted under the Act. The Chief Justice of India serves as Patron-in-Chief. |
| State | State Legal Services Authority (SLSA) for each state/UT. | Headed by Chief Justice of respective High Court as Patron-in-Chief. |
| District | District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) (for each district). | District Judge is its ex-officio Chairman |
Who is Eligible to Get Free Legal Services?
- Women and Children
- Members of SCs/STs
- Victims of Trafficking or disasters
- Mentally ill or disabled
- Industrial workmen
- Persons in custody
- Those with income below the prescribed limit (below ₹5 lakh for Supreme Court cases)
- Senior citizens’ eligibility for free legal aid depends on the Rules framed by the respective State Governments.
Funding for Legal Aid
- Legal aid is funded by the central and state governments and donations through a three-tier funding structure:
- Central funding or donations to the Central Authority through the National Legal Aid Fund.
- Central or State Government funding or other contributions to the State Authority through the State Legal Aid Fund.
- State Government funding or other donations to the District Authority through the District Legal Aid Fund.
Other Initiatives for Legal Aid
- Tele-Law Programme (2017): Provides legal advice via Common Service Centres (CSCs).
- NYAYA Bandhu: Pro Bono Legal Services, 2018, which connects lawyers with needy citizens.
- Pan India Awareness and Outreach Campaigns (2021–2025): Enhance grassroots legal literacy.
- DISHA Scheme: Focuses on comprehensive, holistic, integrated and systemic solutions for access to justice at the pan-India level.
