If a person wants to avail of free legal aid/ services he/she can approach the nearest. ● Taluk Legal Services Committee which is in the premises of the Court in that Taluk. ● District Legal Services Authority which is in the premises of the District Court in the District Headquarters. ● The concerned State Legal Services Committee. ● The High Court Legal Services Committee which is in the premises of the concerned High Court. ● The Supreme Court Legal Services Committee for cases before the Hon'ble Supreme Court.

Free legal aid entails the provision of free legal services in civil and criminal matters for those poor and marginalized people who cannot afford the services of a lawyer for the conduct of a case or a legal proceeding in any court, tribunal or before an authority. Provision of free legal aid may include: a) Representation by an Advocate in legal proceedings. b) Payment of process fees, expenses of witnesses and all other charges payable or incurred in connection with any legal proceedings in appropriate cases; c) Preparation of pleadings, memo of appeal, paper book including printing and translation of documents in legal proceedings; d) Drafting of legal documents, special leave petition etc. e) Supply of certified copies of judgments, orders, notes of evidence and other documents in legal proceedings.

A person who needs free legal aid/advice can approach the concerned authority or committee through an application which could either be made by sending a mail/letter in written form, or by filling up the forms prepared by the said authorities stating in brief the reason for seeking legal aid or can be made orally in which case an officer of the concerned legal services authority or a paralegal volunteer can assist the person. A person can also seek legal aid by applying online through the online application process as provided on the official website of NALSA.

You have to submit the completed application form to the authority along with full documentation which includes identity proofs, requisite certificates/affidavit as proof of belonging to a particular category for being entitled for free legal services. For application through the online procedure, details regarding all the relevant documents required are provided therewith.

Yes, women irrespective of their income or lack of income are eligible for free legal services.

Please note that there is no fee or charge for obtaining the application form. For obtaining legal advice, you can call or visit the office of the concerned Legal Services Authority

No, expenses like Process Fees, Drafting Fees, Typing Fees, Clerk age as well as Fees of panel lawyers is borne by the legal service institutions.

Such persons can be assisted by the SLSAs/DLSAs/TLSCs or panel Advocates etc. The Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) who are stationed in the villages can also gather necessary information of such applicants and fill up the forms for them. The applicant is required to affix signature initials or thumb impression on the same.

Legal Aid can be denied at the initial stage before the application for legal aid is accepted. It can also be withdrawn at the later stage after the application has been accepted and legal aid has been provided. Legal aid can be denied or withdrawn in the following circumstances: ● Legal aid can be denied if a person is found ineligible under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 ● Legal aid can be withdrawn if the aided person who applied under the income category is found to possess sufficient means.