Act came into effect on November 9, 1995, this day is observed annually as National Legal Services Day to mark its implementation.
About Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
- Objective: Establish legal aid organisations to ensure that no citizen suffering from economic or other barriers is denied an equal opportunity for getting justice.
- Institutional Framework
- National Legal Services Authority (NALSA): Chief Justice of India shall be the Patron-in-Chief.
- State Legal Services Authorities (SLSA): Chief Justice of the High Court shall be the Patron-in-Chief.
- District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA): Headed by District Judge.
- Eligibility:
- SC/ST members, women and children, victims of trafficking or disasters, the mentally ill or disabled, industrial workmen, persons in custody, and those with income below the prescribed limit (below ₹5 lakh for Supreme Court cases).
- States can decide the threshold for eligibility under the act which varies from 1 Lakh to 3Lakh.
- Senior citizens’ eligibility for free legal aid depends on the Rules framed by the respective State Governments.
- SC/ST members, women and children, victims of trafficking or disasters, the mentally ill or disabled, industrial workmen, persons in custody, and those with income below the prescribed limit (below ₹5 lakh for Supreme Court cases).
- Legal aid Funds: Provides for the National, State, and District Legal Aid Funds.
- Establishment of Lok Adalats: Alternative dispute resolution mechanism that settles cases amicably, including pre-litigation matters.
Other Initiatives for Legal Aids
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