Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 Bare Act

To solve this problem and to make justice reachable for everyone, the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 was enacted. This Act is one of the most p

Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 Bare Act Download

In a country like India, where a large number of people are poor, illiterate, or unaware of their legal rights, access to justice becomes a serious challenge. Many people suffer injustice not because the law is against them, but because they cannot afford a lawyer or understand court procedures. To solve this problem and to make justice reachable for everyone, the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 was enacted.

This Act is one of the most people-friendly laws in India. Its main idea is very simple:
👉 Justice should not be denied to anyone just because they are poor or weak.

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Background and Constitutional Basis

The foundation of the Legal Services Authorities Act lies in Article 39A of the Indian Constitution. Article 39A directs the State to ensure that the legal system promotes justice on the basis of equal opportunity and provides free legal aid so that no citizen is denied justice due to economic or other disabilities.

Before this Act, free legal aid existed, but it was unorganised and ineffective. There was no proper system, no uniform authority, and no guaranteed right. To give real meaning to Article 39A, the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 was passed and later enforced in 1995.

[Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 Bare Act PDF Download]

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Objective of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987

The main objectives of the Act are:

• To provide free and competent legal services
• To ensure that justice is not denied due to financial or social reasons
• To organise Lok Adalats for quick settlement of disputes
• To promote legal awareness among people
• To reduce the burden on courts

In simple words, the Act tries to make the law friendly, affordable, and reachable for common people.

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What Is Legal Aid?

Legal aid means free legal help provided to people who cannot afford legal services. Under this Act, legal aid is not charity—it is a legal right.

Legal aid includes:

• Free legal advice

• Free lawyer for court cases

• Help in drafting petitions and documents

• Assistance at police stations and courts

• Legal awareness programmes

This ensures that even the poorest person can stand before the law with confidence.

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Who Is Eligible for Free Legal Services?

The Act clearly lists the categories of people who are entitled to free legal aid. These include:

• Women
• Children
• Members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
• Victims of trafficking or forced labour (begar)
• Persons with disabilities
• Industrial workmen
• Victims of mass disasters, violence, or floods
• Persons in custody (jail, juvenile homes, mental health institutions)
• Persons whose income is below the prescribed limit

This wide coverage shows that the Act is focused on protecting the vulnerable sections of society.

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Structure Under the Legal Services Authorities Act

To implement legal aid properly, the Act creates a well-organised structure at different levels.

1. National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)

At the top is NALSA, which operates at the national level. It is headed by the Chief Justice of India as the Patron-in-Chief. NALSA lays down policies, schemes, and guidelines for legal services across the country.

NALSA also organises:

• National Lok Adalats

• Legal awareness campaigns

• Special legal aid programmes

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2. State Legal Services Authorities

Each state has a State Legal Services Authority, headed by the Chief Justice of the High Court. These authorities implement NALSA’s policies at the state level and supervise district authorities.

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3. District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA)

At the district level, District Legal Services Authorities function under the leadership of the District Judge. This is where common people directly approach for free legal aid.

DLSAs:

• Appoint legal aid lawyers

• Conduct Lok Adalats

• Spread legal awareness

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4. Taluk Legal Services Committees

These committees work at the grassroots level (taluk or block). They ensure that legal aid reaches villages and remote areas.

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Lok Adalats – The Heart of the Act

One of the biggest contributions of the Legal Services Authorities Act is the concept of Lok Adalats, also known as People’s Courts.

What Are Lok Adalats?

Lok Adalats are forums where disputes are settled amicably through compromise, without lengthy court procedures.

Key features:
• No court fee
• Simple and informal procedure
• Quick disposal of cases
• Decisions are binding
• No appeal against the award

Lok Adalats handle cases such as:

• Motor accident claims

• Family disputes

• Cheque bounce cases

• Bank recovery matters

• Electricity and water disputes

Because of Lok Adalats, thousands of cases are settled in a single day, reducing pressure on regular courts.

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Permanent Lok Adalats

The Act also provides for Permanent Lok Adalats, mainly for disputes related to public utility services like transport, electricity, water, postal services, and telecommunication.

Unlike regular Lok Adalats, Permanent Lok Adalats can:

• Try to settle disputes

• Decide cases on merits if settlement fails

This makes them very effective in resolving everyday public disputes.

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Role of Judiciary and Legal Professionals

The judiciary plays a key role in ensuring that legal aid is meaningful and effective. Courts have repeatedly held that free legal aid is part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21.

Lawyers are encouraged to:

• Provide pro bono services

• Act as legal aid counsel

• Support social justice initiatives

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Role of Law Students

Law students can actively contribute by:

• Volunteering with Legal Services Authorities

• Assisting in Lok Adalats

• Participating in legal awareness camps

• Helping in legal aid clinics

This also helps students gain practical exposure and understand social realities.

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Importance of the Legal Services Authorities Act

The Act is important because:

• It promotes equality before law
• Helps poor and marginalised people
• Reduces court pendency
• Encourages peaceful settlement
• Makes justice affordable and speedy
• Strengthens democracy

Without this Act, justice would remain a privilege of the rich.

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Challenges in Implementation

Despite its importance, the Act faces challenges such as:

• Lack of awareness among people

• Shortage of trained legal aid lawyers

• Limited infrastructure in rural areas

However, continuous reforms and awareness programmes are improving the system.

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Conclusion

The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 is a powerful social welfare legislation that brings the justice system closer to the common people. It ensures that no one is left unheard simply because they are poor or weak. By providing free legal aid and promoting Lok Adalats, the Act transforms the idea of justice from a distant concept into a living reality.

In simple words:
👉 This Act makes sure that the doors of justice are open for everyone, not just those who can afford it.