Where do you go for Legal Aid

You can approach the following authorities for applying for legal aid: 

  • State Legal Services Authorities – They are in charge of governing and providing legal aid services in their particular state and governing the same at the District and Taluk level. For example, in New Delhi, it is known as the Delhi State Legal Services Authority. Read here to see the list of state authorities. 
  • District Legal Services Authorities – The powers and functions of this Authority are determined by the respective State Legal Service Authority and providing legal aid in the district. Generally,  you can approach this authority if you require help and support, to submit an application for legal aid, etc. and they will be able to direct you. It coordinates the activities of the Taluk Legal Services Committee and other legal services in the District,  organizes Lok Adalats, etc. 
  • Supreme Court Legal Services Committees – Its functions include receiving applications for legal services, maintaining a panel of advocates to provide legal advice, determining costs related to legal services, etc.
  • High Court Legal Services Committees – Its functions are the same as the Supreme Court Legal Services Committees, but they are to be performed at the state level and these functions have been prescribed by the state authority. 

How to Apply for Legal Aid?

When you apply for legal aid, you will require the following documents at the minimum:

  • A proof of identification: Aadhar Card is most commonly accepted, but you can ask if your State’s authority accepts other proofs. 
  • An affidavit proving you are eligible for legal aid. For example, if you are claiming you are eligible because your income is below the level specified, then you will have to give an affidavit of your income, as proof. 

 

Apart from the two documents given above, please ask your nearest Legal Authority Office for more details on the documents required, as the procedure varies across states. 

 

You can apply for free legal aid in four ways(( FAQs, National Legal Service Authority, https://nalsa.gov.in/faqs; National Legal Services Authority- Getting Started Guide, https://nalsa.gov.in/lsams/pdf/NALSA-Getting_Started_Guide_0.1.pdf; Claiming Free Legal Aid / Application Procedure, National Legal Service Authority, https://nalsa.gov.in/services/legal-aid/claiming-free-legal-aid-application-procedure.)):

  • Online (Through the Website)
  • Online (By Email)
  • In-person (In Writing)
  • In-person  (Orally/Speaking directly to the authorities)

 

Online Procedure (Through the Website)

Step 1: You should log in on the National Legal Services Authority’s website here

Step 2: You should fill in all the required details, which have been divided into six parts: Legal Aid Application, Legal Aid, Personal Details, Legal Aid Details, Case Details and Attach Document. For detailed instructions on filling the form, please see here

Step 3: Once you have filled out the form, and attached the required documents as per your case, click on “Submit”.

Step 4: You can track the status of your application here

 

Online Procedure (By Email)

You can send your application online to this email address. If you choose this option, ensure you add the necessary details, such as  your name, gender, residential address, employment status, nationality, whether SC/ST (with proof in support), income per month (with affidavit), the case for which legal aid is required, reason for seeking legal aid, etc.((  Claiming Free Legal Aid / Application Procedure, National Legal Service Authority, https://nalsa.gov.in/services/legal-aid/claiming-free-legal-aid-application-procedure.))

 

In-Person Procedure (In Writing)

Step 1: You should go to the front office of the nearest Legal Services Authority. You can approach NALSA  anytime between Monday and Friday – from 9:30 am to 6 pm. The address of NALSA is 12/11, Jam Nagar House, New Delhi-110011(( Claiming Free Legal Aid / Application Procedure, National Legal Service Authority, https://nalsa.gov.in/services/legal-aid/claiming-free-legal-aid-application-procedure.)). The other Legal Services Authorities in your state, district or taluk can also be approached within their office hours at their addresses which can be checked on their respective websites. You can access the website of your state’s Legal Services Authority through the list given here

Step 2: You should fill up the ready-made form/application form that is available. You can also find this form online. For example, for Delhi, you can access the form here.  You can also make an application in writing on a simple piece of paper with the necessary details such as your name, gender, residential address, employment status, nationality, whether SC/ST (with proof in support), income per month (with affidavit), the case for which legal aid is required, reason for seeking legal aid, etc. 

Step 3: You should submit the filled-out form/application at either the authority physically, or post the application to the authority. They will guide you on the next steps to take, clarification or other documents required.

 

In-Person Procedure (Orally)

It is also possible to make your application orally – a paralegal volunteer or an officer will assist you in such cases at the front office of the legal service authority. 

 

Once your application has been accepted, it will be processed and you will receive confirmation about whether or not you will receive legal aid.