LEGAL AUTHORITIES
Introduction
NALSA
• NALSA has been constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, to provide
free legal services to the weaker sections of society and to organize Lok Adalats for
amicable settlement of disputes.
• The prime objective of NALSA is the speedy disposal of cases and reducing the burden
on the judiciary.
• The Chief Justice of India is the patron-in-chief of NALSA, while the second senior most
judge of the Supreme Court of India is the Executive Chairman.
• It is housed at the Supreme Court of India, New Delhi.
• In every State, a State Legal Services Authority and in every High Court, a High Court
Legal Services Committee has been constituted.
• District Legal Services Authorities and Taluk Legal Services Committees have been
constituted in the Districts and most of the Taluks to give effect to the policies and
directions of the NALSA, and to provide free legal services to the people, and conduct
Lok Adalats in the State.
• NALSA, through the State Legal Services Authorities, also conducts legal literacy
programmes.
• The free legal services include:
1. Payment of court fees, process fees, and all other charges payable or incurred
in connection with any legal proceedings;
2. Providing the service of lawyers in legal proceedings;
3. Obtaining and supply of certified copies of orders and other documents in legal
proceedings.
4. Preparation of appeal, paper book, including printing and translation of
documents in legal proceedings.
• Persons eligible for free legal services includes:
a) Women and children
b) Members of SC/ST
c) Industrial workmen
d) Victims of mass disasters, violence, flood, drought, earthquake, and industrial
disaster.
e) Disabled persons.
f) Persons in custody
g) Persons whose annual income does not exceed Rs. 1 lakh (in the Supreme
Court Legal Services Committee the limit is Rs. 5,00,000).
h) Victims of trafficking in human beings or beggars.
• Constitutional Provisions:
- Article 39A provides for free legal aid to the poor and weaker sections of society
and ensures justice for all.
- Articles 14 and 22(1) of the Constitution also make it obligatory for the State to
ensure equality before the law and a legal system that promotes justice on the
basis of equal opportunity for all.
• Key Facts about Lok Adalats:
✓ It is one of the alternative dispute redressal mechanisms.
✓ It is a forum where disputes/cases pending in the court of law or at the pre-
litigation stage are settled or compromised amicably.
• Who conducts? NALSA, along with other legal services institutions conducts Lok
Adalats.
• Status: Lok Adalats have been given statutory status under the Legal Services
Authorities Act, 1987.
• Appeal:
- The award (decision) made by the Lok Adalats is deemed to be a decree of a civil
court and is final and binding on all parties, and no appeal against such an award
lies before any court of law.
- If the parties are not satisfied with the award of the Lok Adalats, though there is
no provision for an appeal against such an award, they are free to initiate litigation
by approaching the court of appropriate jurisdiction by filing a case by following
the required procedure, in exercise of their right to litigate.
• Fees: There is no court fee payable when a matter is filed in a Lok Adalat.
• Nature of cases to be referred to Lok Adalats:
1. Any case pending before any court.
2. Any dispute that has not been brought before any court and is likely to be filed
before the court.
3. Provided that any matter relating to an offence not compoundable under the
law shall not be settled in Lok Adalats.
Legal Services Institutions in India
Legal services in India are structured through a hierarchical network of institutions,
each playing a vital role in ensuring justice and legal aid for all citizens.
Enacted under the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987, these institutions operate
at various levels, from the national apex to local subdivisions.
This comprehensive framework is designed to provide accessible and equitable legal
assistance throughout the country.
A. National Level: National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)
At the apex of this structure is the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), constituted
under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The Chief Justice of India serves as the Patron-
in-Chief of NALSA, providing leadership and guidance to the institution in its pursuit of justice
and legal empowerment.
B. State Level: State Legal Services Authority
Operating at the state level, the State Legal Services Authority is headed by the Chief Justice
of the respective State High Court, who serves as its Patron-in-Chief. This institution is
responsible for the effective implementation of legal aid programs and initiatives within the
specific jurisdiction of the state.
C. District Level: District Legal Services Authority
At the district level, the District Legal Services Authority plays a pivotal role. The ex-officio
Chairman of this authority is the District Judge of the district. It acts as a bridge between the
state-level authority and the local communities, ensuring the delivery of legal services at the
grassroots level.
D. Taluka/Sub-Division Level: Taluka/Sub-Divisional Legal Services Committee
Further down the hierarchy, at the taluka or sub-division level, the Taluka/Sub-Divisional Legal
Services Committee operates. Headed by a senior Civil Judge, this committee focuses on
addressing legal needs at a more localized level, catering to the specific requirements of sub-
divisions or talukas.
E. High Court: High Court Legal Services Committee
Within each High Court, a High Court Legal Services Committee is established. This committee
works to coordinate and oversee legal aid activities within the jurisdiction of the High Court,
ensuring that the principles of justice are upheld at this intermediate level of the legal system.
F. Supreme Court: Supreme Court Legal Services Committee
At the highest echelon of the Indian legal system, the Supreme Court Legal Services
Committee operates. This committee is responsible for overseeing legal aid activities within
the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, ensuring that access to justice is maintained at the apex
level of the judiciary.
