Index

1. Introduction 
2. Legal Aid And Equal Opportunity In The Indian Constitution
3. The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
4. Scope And Structure
5. NALSA Regulations And Eligibility
6. Eligible Groups For Free Legal Services
7. Constitution Of The State Legal Services Authority
8. Powers Of The State Authority
9. Salary And Allowances
10. Administrative Expenses
11. Verification Of Orders
12. Functions Of The State Legal Services Authority
13. High Court Legal Services Committee
14. District Legal Services Authority (Section 9)
15. Taluk Legal Services Committee (Section 11A)
16. Salary And Allowances
17. Functions Of Taluk Legal Services Committee (Section 11B)
18. Conclusion 

Introduction 

To address disparities in legal services, the Indian Government began focusing on providing legal aid to the poor in 1952, and guidelines were established in 1960. Subsequently, the Government of India formed the Committee for the Implementation of the Legal Aid Scheme, which prioritised both legal aid and spreading legal awareness. Following these discussions, the Legal Services Authorities Act (LSA) was enacted in 1987 and came into effect on November 9, 1995. This article explores the roles and functions of state, district, and taluk legal services authorities.

Legal Aid And Equal Opportunity In The Indian Constitution

Article 39A of the Indian Constitution mandates the state to ensure that the legal system promotes justice based on equal opportunity. It specifically requires the provision of free legal aid through appropriate legislation, programs, or other means to ensure that no citizen is denied access to justice due to financial constraints or any other disability.

Additionally, Articles 14 and 22(1) of the Constitution oblige the state to guarantee equality before the law and ensure a legal system that advances justice based on equal opportunity for all.

The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987

The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, applies to all of India and is divided into seven chapters containing a total of 30 sections. These sections encompass various aspects such as the National Legal Services Authority, State Legal Services Authority, Entitlement to Legal Services, Finance, Accounts, and Audit, Lok Adalats, Pre-litigation and Settlement, and determining who is entitled to legal services.

Scope And Structure

This comprehensive legislation is designed to ensure that legal aid is available to those who need it most. The act outlines the structure and functions of the National and State Legal Services Authorities (NALSA), sets the framework for Lok Adalats, and details the financial provisions for the implementation of legal services.

NALSA Regulations And Eligibility

According to NALSA Regulations, “The needy and poor masses of the country will receive free and competent legal services.” In compliance with these regulations and the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987, several groups are eligible for free legal services under Section 12 of the Act.

Eligible Groups For Free Legal Services

The groups eligible for free legal services include:

1. Individuals belonging to a scheduled caste or tribe.
2. Victims of human trafficking or beggars.
3. Women and children.
4. Persons with disabilities, such as those who are blind, have leprosy, hearing loss, or mental impairments.
5. Victims of mass disasters, acts of ethnic or caste violence, floods, droughts, earthquakes, or industrial calamities.
6. Industrial workers.
7. Undertrial detainees, including juveniles or mentally ill persons in psychiatric hospitals or nursing homes.
8. Individuals with an annual income of less than Rs. 3,00,000/-.

Constitution Of The State Legal Services Authority

Section 6 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, outlines the formation of the State Legal Services Authority. According to Section 6(1), each state government is required to establish a legal services authority to carry out the functions and exercise the powers assigned under this Act.

Section 6(2) specifies the members who constitute the State Legal Services Authority. These include:

1. The Chief Justice of the High Court, serving as the Patron-in-Chief.
2. A serving or retired judge of the High Court, nominated by the state government in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court.
3. Additional members, nominated by the state government in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court, who possess the necessary qualifications and experience.
4. The Member Secretary.

Under Section 6(3), the Member Secretary of the State Legal Services Authority is appointed by the state government in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court. The Member Secretary, under the guidance of the Executive Chairman, performs duties and exercises powers as prescribed by the state government or the Executive Chairman of the authority.

The individual serving as the secretary of a State Legal Aid and Advice Board immediately before the establishment of the state authority may be appointed as the Member Secretary of that authority for a term of up to 5 years, even if they do not meet the usual qualifications for the position.

Section 6(4) states that the state government, in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court, will determine the terms and conditions of the office for both the members and the Member Secretary of the State Legal Services Authority.

Powers Of The State Authority

According to Section 6(5), the state authority has the power to appoint officers and other employees necessary for its efficient functioning. This must be done with the prior consultation of the Chief Justice of the High Court.

Salary And Allowances

Section 6(6) specifies that the salaries, allowances, and other service conditions for the officers and employees will be prescribed by the state government.

Administrative Expenses

Section 6(7) states that the administrative expenses, including salaries, allowances, and pensions of the state authority, will be paid from the consolidated fund of the state.

Verification Of Orders

Section 6(8) provides that the Member Secretary or any other officer authorised by the Executive Chairman of the state authority shall verify the orders and decisions of the state authority.

Functions Of The State Legal Services Authority

Section 7 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, outlines the functions of the State Legal Services Authority:

1. The state authority implements the policies and directions of the Central Authority.
2. It provides necessary legal assistance to eligible individuals as per the criteria specified in the Act.
3. It organises Lok Adalats, including those for high court cases.
4. It undertakes preventive and strategic legal aid programs.
5. It coordinates with other agencies and follows directives from the Central Authority.
6. It promotes the provision of legal services to the poor and needy.
7. It encourages the settlement of disputes.

High Court Legal Services Committee

The high courts are the highest legal authority at the state level. To achieve the goals of the Legal Services Authorities Act, the High Court Legal Services Committee is appointed by the state authority. This committee includes a sitting judge of the high court as the chairman of the state authority, along with other members nominated by the Chief Justice of the High Court. The Chief Justice also appoints a qualified secretary and other employees. The terms of office, salary, allowances, and other conditions for these positions are determined by the state government.

District Legal Services Authority (Section 9)

The District Legal Services Authorities are established by the state government with the prior consultation of the Chief Justice of the High Court to fulfil their purposes as outlined in the Act. The authority is composed of a district judge, who serves as the chairman, along with other qualified members. Additionally, a person with the rank of subordinate judge, civil judge, or higher, posted at the district judiciary, is appointed as the ‘Secretary of the District Authority’ to exercise specific powers. The terms of office, salaries, administrative expenses, allowances, and pensions are determined by the regulations set by the state authority and funded from the consolidated fund of the state.

All orders and decisions of the authority are authenticated by the Secretary authorised by the Chairman or any other officer authorised by the authority.

The District Authority performs the functions of the state authority at the district level. It coordinates the activities of Taluk Legal Services and other legal services within the district. The authority organises Lok Adalats within the district and provides legal aid and assistance to the poor and needy. It also undertakes any other functions and actions assigned by the state authority. Additionally, the District Authority works in coordination with other government and non-government agencies to promote the objectives of the Legal Services Authorities Act.

Taluk Legal Services Committee (Section 11A)

Section 11A(1) establishes that the Taluk Legal Services Committee is constituted by the state authority for each taluk, mandal, or group of taluks or mandals. The committee is chaired by the seniormost judicial officer operating within its jurisdiction, serving as the ex-officio Chairman. Additionally, the state government, in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court, appoints other members who possess the necessary qualifications and experience as prescribed by the Act.

Salary And Allowances

The salaries and allowances for the officers and other employees of the Taluk Legal Services Committee are prescribed by the state government. The administrative expenses are funded from the District Legal Aid Fund by the district authority.

Functions Of Taluk Legal Services Committee (Section 11B)

Section 11B outlines the functions of the Taluk Legal Services Committee, which include:

1. Coordinating the activities of legal services within the taluk.
2. Organising Lok Adalats.
3. Performing other functions assigned by the district authority.

Conclusion 

NALSA (National Legal Services Authority) overall highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls within India’s legal aid system. While NALSA aims to provide free legal services to marginalised sections of society, issues such as procedural delays, lack of awareness, and occasional misuse can undermine its efficacy. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts to streamline processes, enhance public awareness, and ensure the integrity of legal aid services. Ultimately, strengthening NALSA’s framework can significantly contribute to more equitable access to justice in India.