Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India. (Answer in 150 words)

Free legal aid operationalises Article 39A by making justice accessible to persons unable to bear litigation costs.

Eligibility

• Women and children, SC/ST persons, victims of trafficking or mass disaster, persons with disabilities, industrial workmen, persons in custody and those below prescribed income limits are entitled.

NALSA contribution

• It coordinates State and District Legal Services Authorities, legal clinics, Lok Adalats and legal-awareness camps.
• It provides counsel, representation, mediation and compensation assistance, including victim-support schemes.
• Lok Adalats reduce cost and delay through consensual settlement.

Challenges include uneven quality, low awareness, inadequate lawyers and delayed payments. Better monitoring, legal-tech access and rights-based outreach are needed.

polity, access to justice, legal aid, NALSA