How to Get Free Legal Aid via NALSA 2026

About This Guide

National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) provides FREE legal aid under Article 39A. Eligible: women, children, SC/ST, persons in custody, mentally/physically disabled, victims of trafficking, industrial workers, persons in disasters, those with annual income < ₹3 lakh. Free lawyer, court fees waived. State + District + Taluka Legal Services Authorities (DLSA/TLSA).

Eligibility Criteria

• Annual income < ₹3 lakh (general)
• OR Woman, Child, SC/ST member, Disabled person
• OR Industrial worker, victim of trafficking, mass disaster
• OR Person in custody / mentally ill
• Indian citizen

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready before starting application. Missing documents = delayed approval.

• Aadhaar
• Income certificate (if applicable)
• Caste certificate (SC/ST)
• Disability certificate (Divyang)
• Case details/notice
• Photo
• Self-declaration

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps in order. Each step is critical - skip none.

Key Benefits

• 100% FREE legal aid
• Constitutional right
• Court fees waived
• Empanelled lawyers
• Lok Adalat speedy resolution
• Multiple eligibility categories
• Critical for poor/marginalized
• Para-legal volunteer support
• Helpline 15100

What Happens After Application?

Lawyer assigned in 7-15 days. Case proceeds. NALSA monitors quality. Final disposal as per court.

Frequently Asked Questions

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