The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the inaugural session of the First All India District Legal Services Authorities Meet on July 30. The Prime Minister also released a commemorative postal stamp on the ‘Right to free legal aid’.
Key highlights
- The first-ever national level meet of District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) was organised from 30-31 July 2022 at Vigyan Bhawan by National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
- There are a total of 676 District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in the country. They are headed by the District Judge who acts as Chairman of the authority.
- Through DLSAs and State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs), various legal aid and awareness programmes are implemented by NALSA.
- The DLSAs also contribute towards reducing the burden on courts by regulating the Lok Adalats conducted by NALSA.
About NALSA, SLSA and DLSA
- The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has been constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 to provide free Legal Services to the weaker sections of the society and to organize Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes.
- The Chief Justice of India is the Patron-in-Chief. The Executive Chairman of the NALSA is appointed by the President of India. Currently Justice U U Lalit is the Executive Chairman.
- NALSA is housed at Supreme Court of India.
- In every State, State Legal Services Authority has been constituted to give effect to the policies and directions of the NALSA and to give free legal services to the people and conduct Lok Adalats in the State. The State Legal Services Authority is headed by the Chief Justice of the respective High Court who is the Patron-in-Chief of the State Legal Services Authority (SLSA).
- In every District, District Legal Services Authority has been constituted to implement Legal Services Programmes in the District.
- The District Legal Services Authority is situated in the District Courts Complex in every District and chaired by the District Judge of the respective district.
