LEGAL AID IN INDIA

Legal aid is a fundamental component of India’s justice delivery system, aimed at ensuring equal access to justice for all citizens, particularly the economically and socially disadvantaged. Rooted in the constitutional mandate of Articles 14, 38, and 39A, legal aid seeks to eliminate barriers that prevent individuals from seeking legal remedies due to financial or social constraints. This article examines the evolution, constitutional basis, and statutory framework of legal aid in India, with particular emphasis on the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 and the role of institutions such as NALSA and State Legal Services Authorities. It further highlights the practical challenges faced by the legal aid system, including lack of awareness, inadequate funding, quality concerns, and rural-urban disparities. The article underscores the need for strengthened implementation, awareness, and institutional coordination to ensure meaningful access to justice.