National Legal Services Day is observed every year on 9 November to commemorate the enforcement of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, which came into effect on 9 November 1995.
The day highlights India’s commitment to ensuring free and competent legal aid to the marginalised, disadvantaged, and weaker sections of society, in line with the constitutional vision of justice for all.
Historical Background
Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987: Enacted to provide free and competent legal services to citizens facing economic or social barriers to justice.
The Act came into force on 9 November 1995, leading to the creation of a three-tier structure for legal services authorities across India.
National Legal Services Day was established by NALSA (National Legal Services Authority) to mark this day each year.
Objective of National Legal Services Day
- To promote legal awareness among citizens about their rights and duties.
- To ensure equal access to justice for all, especially for underprivileged groups.
- To celebrate India’s commitment to the rule of law and social justice.
Constitutional Foundation for Legal Aid
India’s Constitution guarantees justice, equality, and liberty as core principles of democracy.
| Article | Provision |
| Article 14 | Equality before law |
| Article 21 | Protection of life and personal liberty |
| Article 22 | Protection against arbitrary arrest and detention |
| Article 39A | Equal justice and free legal aid (inserted by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976) |
Article 39A forms the constitutional backbone of India’s legal aid system, mandating the State to provide free legal services to ensure equal access to justice.
Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987- Key Features
- Established a nationwide framework for free legal aid and dispute resolution.
- Created Lok Adalats and Permanent Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes, including pre-litigation cases.
- Aimed to ensure no citizen is denied justice due to economic or social disadvantage.
Three-Tier Structure
| Level | Authority | Headed by | Funding Source |
| National Level | National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) | Chief Justice of India | Central funding via National Legal Aid Fund |
| State Level | State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) | Chief Justice of the High Court | Central & State funding via State Legal Aid Fund |
| District Level | District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) | District Judge | State funding via District Legal Aid Fund |
Key Achievements
- Beneficiaries (2022–25): Over 44.22 lakh people received free legal aid and advice.
- Dispute Resolution: Over 23.58 crore cases resolved through Lok Adalats at state, permanent, and national levels.
- Application Process: Citizens can apply for free legal services via written/oral applications or through online NALSA/SLSA/DLSA portals.
- As per Regulation 7(2) of NALSA (Free and Competent Legal Services) Regulations, 2010, applications must be processed within seven days.
Role of NALSA and State Legal Services Authorities
NALSA, along with State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs), undertakes the following:
- Organising Lok Adalats and Mediation Centres for speedy, low-cost dispute resolution.
- Establishing Legal Aid Clinics in rural and tribal areas.
- Conducting legal literacy camps to promote rights awareness.
- Supporting victim compensation schemes and rehabilitation measures.
- Providing legal assistance to women, children, senior citizens, SC/STs, and differently-abled persons.
Innovative Initiatives for Holistic Justice
| Initiative | Description |
| DISHA Framework | Digital integration of legal aid through platforms like Tele-Law and Nyaya Bandhu, connecting citizens with legal advisors. |
| Legal Literacy and Awareness Programme (LLLAP) | Legal awareness in 22 scheduled languages through multimedia campaigns and state-level participation. |
| Fast-Track Courts (FTCs) | For speedy trials involving women, children, and senior citizens. |
| Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) | Dedicated to serious sexual offences, including those under the POCSO Act. |
| Gram Nyayalayas | Village-level courts ensuring justice in rural areas. |
| Nari Adalats (under Mission Shakti) | Community-led women’s courts (7–9 women) focusing on mediation in gender-based violence cases. |
| Special Courts for Marginalised Communities | 211 exclusive courts under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 for speedy justice. |
Lok Adalats- People’s Courts
- Lok Adalats serve as alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
- Aim: To settle disputes amicably, speedily, and inexpensively.
Types:
- State Lok Adalats
- Permanent Lok Adalats (Public Utility Services)
- National Lok Adalats (organised quarterly across India).
- Awards passed by Lok Adalats are final and enforceable as civil court decrees.
Challenges in Accessing Legal Aid in India
| Category | Challenge |
| Awareness Deficit | Many eligible citizens are unaware of their right to free legal aid. |
| Geographical Gaps | Services concentrated in urban areas; rural outreach remains inadequate. |
| Quality Concerns | Legal aid lawyers often lack adequate training or accountability. |
| Judicial Backlog | Over 50 million pending cases across all courts delay justice. |
| Digital Divide | Limited internet access and low digital literacy hinder online aid delivery. |
| Social Barriers | Discrimination, intimidation, and language barriers affect marginalized communities. |
Way Forward
- Integrate legal literacy in school and college curricula.
- Strengthen training, evaluation, and incentives for legal aid lawyers.
- Expand infrastructure in rural and tribal regions.
- Introduce real-time monitoring systems for legal aid cases.
- Bridge the digital divide with offline grievance redressal support.
- Encourage community paralegal volunteers to extend outreach.
Key Facts
| Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 | Came into force on 9 November 1995. |
| Article 39A | Mandates free legal aid and equal justice (added by 42nd Amendment Act, 1976). |
| NALSA Established | 1995, headquartered in New Delhi. |
| Current Executive Chairman (as of 2025) | Usually the senior-most Supreme Court Judge after the CJI. |
| Patron-in-Chief of NALSA | Chief Justice of India. |
| Lok Adalat Legal Status | Awards are binding and non-appealable (except under writ jurisdiction). |
| First National Lok Adalat Held | 2013. |
| Gram Nyayalayas Act | Enacted in 2008 for local-level justice delivery. |
| Mission Shakti | Launched by Ministry of Women and Child Development (2021) – includes Nari Adalats. |
| DISHA Initiative | Launched by Ministry of Law and Justice to digitize legal aid delivery. |
| Judicial Statistics (as of 2025) | Over 5 crore pending cases across all levels of courts in India. |