The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987

The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, is a significant piece of legislation in India aimed at providing free legal aid and services to the economically weaker sections of society. Here are some key points about the Act:

• Objective: The primary objective of the Act is to ensure that justice is accessible to all, irrespective of their economic or social status. It seeks to promote equal justice and bridge the gap between the rich and the poor in accessing legal services.

• Establishment of Legal Services Authorities: The Act mandates the establishment of legal services authorities at the national, state, and district levels. These authorities are responsible for implementing the provisions of the Act and providing legal aid and services.

• Composition of Authorities: The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is established at the national level, while State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) and District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) are established at the state and district levels, respectively.

• Functions: The Act outlines various functions of the legal services authorities, including organizing Lok Adalats (people's courts) for amicable settlement of disputes, providing legal aid and advice, conducting legal awareness programs, and facilitating mediation and conciliation.

• Eligibility for Legal Aid: The Act specifies criteria for determining eligibility for free legal aid, primarily focusing on the economic condition of the applicant. It ensures that those who cannot afford legal representation receive assistance.

• Funding: The Act provides for funding of legal services authorities through grants from the central and state governments, as well as through contributions from various other sources, including individuals, corporations, and organizations.

• Role of Legal Practitioners: The Act encourages the participation of legal practitioners in providing legal aid services and mandates that every advocate enrolled under the Advocates Act, 1961, should provide legal aid pro bono (free of charge) to eligible persons.