Who is eligible for free legal aid?

Free legal aid is available to women, children, SC/ST, disabled persons, industrial workers, persons in custody, disaster victims, and anyone earning below Rs. 3 lakhs annually.

Under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act and Article 39A of the Constitution, free legal aid is available to: (1) women and children, (2) members of SC/ST communities, (3) industrial workers, (4) persons with disabilities, (5) persons in custody including under-trials, (6) victims of mass disasters, ethnic violence, caste atrocities, floods, drought, earthquake, or industrial disasters, (7) victims of trafficking, (8) persons with annual income not exceeding Rs. 3 lakhs (amount varies by state — some states have higher limits). Approach your nearest District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) or Taluk Legal Services Committee. NALSA also provides legal aid through front offices in every court complex. Lok Adalats offer free dispute resolution.

• Legal Services Authorities Act — Section 12 (Criteria for giving legal services)
• Article 39A (Equal justice and free legal aid)
• NALSA (Free and Competent Legal Services) Regulations