Legal Aid In India

In a democratic society, Justice acts as a cornerstone. However, only the access to the legal system to every individual, irrespective of social background, financial status, literacy level, gender makes the idea of justice meaningful in true sense. In a country like India where millions of people cannot afford legal representation and remain unaware of their legal rights, the idea of justice seems to be blurred. The concept of legal aid was then introduced as a social and constitutional obligation to bridge the gap. Access to justice to every person irrespective of any disabilities and poverty is ensured by legal aid. The legal aid framework in India was further strengthened by the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 that lead to the establishment of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). This article analyses the statutory and constitutional basis of legal aid, the institutional structure of National Legal Service Authorities, State Legal Service Authorities, District Legal Service Authorities and the importance of free legal aid in enhancing the idea of social justice. The article also examines recent developments, judicial precedents and the challenges that obstruct the efficacious execution.