Last Updated on February 18, 2024 by Satish Mishra
Do you know under Legal Services Authorities Act 1987 no citizen can be denied justice for economic and other disability. So Free Legal Aid Service to the rescue of those who cannot afford fees.
Article 39A of Constitution of India through 42nd Amendment imposes an obligation on the State to provide free Legal aid to ensure access to justice for all citizens. It means you can get a free lawyer without any cost but only if you fulfill the desired set criteria. And yes it is your fundamental right aimed at ensuring equal access to justice for all, regardless of social or economic disparities.
Free Legal Aid Service is incentive to those who are hesitant to come forward and fight for the right cause. It just removes the economic barrier in the path of justice.
Please Don’t mix this with Article 22 which provides protection against arrest and detention in certain cases.
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But it doesn’t mean you can get free lawyers for filing PIL (Public Interest Litigation). Note that’s a different concept which we will discuss later.
It includes Free Legal Aid to weaker sections of society who fall within Section 12 of Legal Services Authorities Act 1987. Authorities at all levels be it Centre, State and District are established to promote legal literacy through camps, print media and Lok adalats to settle disputes amicably.
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According to Section 2(c) of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, “legal services” includes any service in the conduct of any case or other legal proceeding before any court or other authority or tribunal and the giving of advice on any legal matter.
Legal Aid Service Chandigarh Punjab Haryana includes representation by Advocate, Payment of process fees, pleadings preparation, Drafting, Supply of copies etc. Also, this is not limited to just subordinate courts.
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Now you must be thinking, what kind of cases are applied to Legal Aid Service Chandigarh Punjab? Certainly all but Legal Services Authority has to be satisfied that it is a genuine case to proceed with and satisfying eligibility under Section 12 of the Act.
What if wish to engage lawyer of my choice? You need to check that on the list of lawyers on Panel and then mention the one on the list. It cannot be beyond the Panel list. And yes you can have lawyer at any stage of the case, be it at Appellate stage.
1 Now at Centre, we have- National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). You can see Filing Tutorials, Filing Demo, Who is entitled, Nature of Free services, Manuals, Videos, How to Ap4 ply, Procedure After filing, Apply Legal Aid, Track your Application, Reminders/Clarifications on the website. Also you will find Victim Compensation, Pre-Arrest Assistance and FAQ/Help option on the website. National Helpline Number – 15100
I have previously also written one blog on my website related to this which covers How to Get Free Legal Advice Online in India . You might find this useful in this context.
2 State of Haryana- Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HSLSA)- Here website mentions About Department, Projects, DLSA info, General Info, Misc, Events, Public Info, Media Corner & FAQ. Here the online facility is not available. You have to download the form and apply by going to the court itself. Atleast, that much you have to do. Helpline- 1800-180-2057.
3 State of Punjab- Punjab State Legal Services Authority (PULSA). Glad, they have a Toll Free Number 1968 as well. Website mentions Online Legal Aid Application, Online Deposit of Cost, Front Offices, Legal Aid Advocates, Kanoon Sarthi, Incumbency Board, Lok Adalats, Projects, Download Forms, Tenders, Recruitent, Acts & Rule etc.
4 Chandigarh- It is State Legal Services Authority (SLSA) Union Territory Chandigarh. Their website mentions SLSA is constituted to give Legal Services to the people, besides conducting Lok Adalats and to give effect to the policies and directions of NALSA.
5 Punjab and Haryana High Court Chandigarh– Well for High Court Chandigarh, you can even apply for Free Legal Aid. The website mentions as per the Legal Services Authorities (Amendment) Act 1994, Lok Adalat settlement is no longer a voluntary concept. This Act has given a Statutory flavour to Lok Adalats. The entire criteria are mentioned on the website for Free Legal Aid. One can easily get access to it. The website also mentions panel of lawyers who you can entrust your legal case.
You can find access to the websites of all these authorities here at the website of Department of Justice.
You may also read text available on the website of District Courts pertaining the Free Legal Aid Scheme.
On the list of above websites, you may also get Pro Bono Services by Advocates who can assist with your legal matter.
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Last, God help those who help themselves. So you have to move and apply to these schemes listed above. Don’t imagine them to work like Swiggy or Zomato. And have real expectations with your case. Don’t expect wonders along with free lunches. Our legal system requires patience for receiving Free Legal Aid Service.
Do you have that in you? Is yes, Great! Rest, nothing.
Hope you find this post useful. Share as much as you can so that I can get motivation to compile more of these posts on Free Legal Advice Chandigarh Panchkula Mohali Punjab Haryana Lawyer.
