November 9 is celebrated as the National Legal Services Day to commemorate the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, which led to the establishment of organisations providing free legal aid to the needy. Background India is the largest democracy in the world. The Constitution of India guarantees equal rights and the equal protection under the law to every citizen. Yet, many are unable to access legal services due to illiteracy, poverty, natural disasters, crime or the lack of financial means, among other barriers. The Legal Services Authorities were established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, to provide free and competent legal services to marginalised and disadvantaged sections of society. Since the Act came into effect on November 9, 1995, this day is observed annually as National Legal Services Day to mark its implementation. Legal Services Authorities The Legal Services Authority Act, 1987, established legal aid organisations nationwide to ensure that no citizen suffering from economic or other barriers is denied an equal opportunity for getting justice. The act established a three-tier system to provide free and competent legal services: National Legal Services Authority (headed by the Chief Justice of India) State Legal Services Authorities (headed by the Chief Justice of High Court) District Legal Services Authorities (headed by the District Judge) 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 Channels delivering legal services in India Lok Adalats : The Act also established Lok Adalats and Permanent Lok Adalats, which are alternate dispute redressal forums organised by the legal authorities above. The forums settle pending disputes or cases or those at the pre-litigation stage amicably. Fast-track courts (FTCs) were established for the speedy trial of heinous crimes and civil cases related to women, children, senior citizens, disabled persons, and property cases pending for more than five years. Gram Nyayalayas are grass-root level courts to provide access to justice in rural areas. There are 488 Gram Nyayalayas (as of March 2025), facilitating access to timely, affordable, and efficient justice for villagers. These grassroots courts empower rural communities by resolving disputes swiftly and locally Nari Adalats is a scheme under the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s Mission Shakti scheme aimed at strengthening interventions for women safety, security & empowerment functioning at the Gram Panchayat level. The Adalats are mandated to resolve issues related to domestic violence and other gender-based violence by negotiation, mediation and reconciliation with mutual consent. Exclusive Special Courts have been established to deal with the offences related to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Free legal aid Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) Scheme - The LADCS scheme by NALSA provides free legal defense in criminal cases for eligible beneficiaries under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice (DISHA) - Modern technology is helping people access the legal system easily and affordably, too. As part of the scheme, pre-litigation advice, pro bono services, and legal representation and awareness are being provided through the following. Tele-Law - Tele-Law connects the poor and marginalized sections of society through a dedicated pool of panel lawyers via video conferencing or telephonic facilities available at Common Service Centers (CSCs) and directly through the Tele-Law Mobile App. A toll-free number 14454 is also available. Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) - a Nyaya Bandhu is nationwide program that uses a mobile app to connect volunteer lawyers with people who need free legal help. Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness - Pan India Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness educates vulnerable communities about their legal rights and entitlements. This makes the justice system accessible and friendly. How to Apply for Free Legal Aid? Anyone who needs free legal services and is eligible can apply to the concerned Legal Services Authority or Committee. The application can be submitted in writing, by filling up a prescribed form, or made orally (in which case an officer or paralegal volunteer will help record the request). Applications can also be made online through the Legal Aid Application available on the websites of NALSA or State/District Legal Services Authorities. If NALSA receives an application directly, it will forward it to the appropriate authority. Once the application reaches the concerned Legal Services Institution, it is reviewed to decide the next steps. Depending on the case, assistance may include legal advice, counselling, or appointment of a lawyer to represent the applicant in court. If the application is accepted: The applicant is informed about the lawyer assigned, and both receive a letter of appointment. The lawyer will then contact the applicant, or the applicant may also reach out to the lawyer. As per Regulation 7(2) of the National Legal Services Authority (Free and Competent Legal Services) Regulations, 2010, a decision on the application must be made immediately, and not later than seven days from the date of receipt. Communication of Application Status: Physical applications: Updates are sent to the applicant's postal or email address. Online applications: An application number is generated, and the applicant can track the status online through the respective portal. Applications from Government Departments/Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS): Applicants are informed via email and can view the scanned copy and remarks on the CPGRAMS and Legal Services Authority websites. Source : PIB