What this scheme offers
Under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, eligible individuals get free legal representation — including a lawyer of their choice from the panel where possible — at every level of the Indian judicial system, from trial courts up to the Supreme Court. Legal Services Authorities also run legal awareness camps and organise Lok Adalats for the amicable, out-of-court settlement of disputes. There is no restriction on the type of case; anyone meeting the eligibility criteria can seek aid for any matter.
Who is eligible
- Anyone with an annual income below the limit set by their respective state government (for cases outside the Supreme Court), or below ₹5 lakh for Supreme Court cases.
- Certain categories qualify regardless of income: women, children, persons with disabilities, members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, victims of trafficking or beggary, industrial workmen, persons in custody, and victims of mass disaster, caste atrocity, ethnic violence or natural calamity.
- State-specific Legal Aid Regulations may add further eligible categories.
Documents required
- Identity proof (Aadhaar or any government ID)
- Income certificate, where eligibility is income-based
- Caste certificate, disability certificate, or other proof of category-based eligibility, where applicable
- Details/documents relating to the case for which aid is sought
How to apply
- Approach your District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Taluk Legal Services Committee, or the State Legal Services Authority (SLSA), depending on where your case is being heard.
- Submit a written application, or fill out the prescribed application form available at the Legal Services Authority office — many states also accept applications online via the NALSA or state legal services portal.
- Briefly state the reason you are seeking legal aid and the nature of your case.
- The Member-Secretary or Secretary reviews the application; if you've named a preferred panel lawyer, that is considered.
- Once approved, a legal aid counsel is assigned to represent you at no cost.