In short: under Article 39A of the Constitution and the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, many people have a right to a free lawyer and free legal advice, including women and children, SC/ST members, people in custody, persons with disabilities, victims of trafficking or disasters, industrial workers, and people below the income limit. Apply to the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) at the district court, or call the NALSA helpline 15100.
Who is eligible (Section 12)
- every woman and child;
- members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes;
- persons in custody, including in a protective home, juvenile home or psychiatric hospital;
- persons with disabilities;
- victims of trafficking, mass disaster, ethnic violence, caste atrocity, flood, drought or industrial disaster;
- industrial workers;
- persons whose annual income is below the limit set by the state (or by the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee for Supreme Court cases).
What legal aid covers
A panel lawyer to advise and represent you, court fees and costs, drafting of petitions and replies, and certified copies. In criminal cases, many districts now have a Legal Aid Defence Counsel office of full-time defence lawyers. An accused who cannot afford a lawyer has a constitutional right to one at the State's cost.
How to apply
- Go to the legal services authority at the district court (DLSA), taluka court (TLSA), High Court or Supreme Court, or apply online on the NALSA portal.
- Fill in the simple form, with an affidavit of income or proof of category.
- A lawyer is assigned. If you are unhappy with the lawyer, you can ask the authority for a change.
Lok Adalat
Legal services authorities also hold Lok Adalats, where pending and pre-litigation disputes (bank recovery, motor accident claims, family and civil matters, cheque bounce) are settled by agreement. The award is final and binding, there is no court fee, and court fees already paid are refunded.
Questions people ask
How can I get a free lawyer in India?
Apply to the District Legal Services Authority at your district court, apply online on the NALSA portal, or call 15100. Women, children, SC/ST members, people in custody and people below the income limit qualify.
Is legal aid available to every woman regardless of income?
Yes. Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act makes every woman eligible for free legal services, whatever her income.
Can a person in jail get a free lawyer?
Yes. Anyone in custody is entitled to free legal aid, and an accused who cannot afford a lawyer must be given one at the State's cost.
What is a Lok Adalat?
A forum where disputes are settled by agreement with the help of conciliators. The award is binding like a decree, with no appeal and no court fee.
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Become a ClientCall +91 81001 21141This guide gives general information about the law in India as on 11 November 2026. It is not legal advice for your situation, and reading it does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Rules and limits change; please take advice on your own facts.