The National Legal Services Act of 1987 provides for free and competent legal aid to people from socio-economically marginalised communities in India. On the occasion of National Legal Services Day, law experts highlight problems in the implementation of the provision and the scope for improvement
The Legal Services Authority Act was came into force on November 9, 1995. Photo: iStock.
Although a provision exists for free legal aid to the socio-economically backward sections when a case is initiated against them, or before a trial, and during remand, very few actually receive it driven by a lack of awareness, caste bias and a lack of faith, among other reasons.