Are there pro bono cases in India?
Asked by: Bethany Ritchie | Last update: November 22, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (66 votes)
Rules governing the ethics of practice of advocates in India do not include a mandatory requirement for advocates to spend part of their time on pro bono legal services. Instead, pro bono services are recommended, or an ideal to aspire to. Making pro bono a part of people's lives and daily culture.
What is pro bono in India?
Pro Bono comes from the Latin expression “pro bono publico” meaning “for the public good”. Many lawyers provide poor and underprivileged clients with valuable legal advice and support without seeking any professional fee.
Can I get a lawyer for free in India?
Any Indian Citizen can apply for Free legal aid in any stage of the litigation as long as they are eligible to obtain free legal services as per Sec 12, Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987. However, Many Reputed Law Firms and individual practicing Advocates offer Free Legal Advice for poor and needy people.
What happens if you can't afford a lawyer in India?
Article 39A of the Constitution of India provides for free and fair legal aid those who cannot afford a lawyer. Keeping in mind of such poor litigant who cannot claim justice before the court of law , legislature enacted an Act called LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY ACT, 1987.
What are the most common pro bono cases?
More than half of the respondents said they also regularly handle pro bono cases that deal with discrimination (65.3 percent), homelessness (64 percent), domestic violence (61.3 percent), employment (57.2 percent), veterans affairs (56.3 percent), and education (54.5 percent).
Why Should Lawyers in India do Pro Bono work? | Swathi Sukumar | TEDxNLUO
Who pays for pro bono cases?
There are a couple of options for paying these expenses: Seeking a fee waiver. State governments and courts support lawyers working pro bono, and many courts will allow you to skip paying court costs if your lawyer is working for you pro bono or if you have a low enough income to qualify for a fee waiver.
Why do lawyers want to do pro bono?
Recruiting tool: Pro bono assignments can give young lawyers a chance to lead or argue a case they might not be able to with paying clients. For that reason, pro bono work is often a key benefit young lawyers look for when deciding where to begin their careers.
How much does a lawyer charge for a case in India?
Retainer Fees: Typically range from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000, depending on the lawyer's experience and the complexity of the case. Per Hearing Charges: Lawyers might charge between ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per court appearance.
Can I file a case without a lawyer in India?
Yes, you can file a civil suit without a lawyer in India, as individuals have the right to represent themselves in court. However, to understand how to file a civil suit in India, it is often advisable to seek legal assistance to ensure proper handling of the case and to increase the likelihood of a favourable outcome.
Can a lawyer sue you for non payment in India?
Balram Prasad Sharma[3] the Supreme Court ruled that an advocate has the right to sue his client for his fees, if not paid, like any other professional.
How much do lawyers charge for consultation in India?
Consultation Costs for High Court Lawyers
Typically, these fees range from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 per hour, varying based on the lawyer's reputation and the complexity of the case.
What is the legal aid in India?
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.
What happens if no lawyer will represent you in India?
It is known that a person can represent themself in any court of India but it is subjected to the court's satisfaction. If an individual does not possess sufficient means or is confined or imprisoned then a lawyer is provided by the state who shall represent the party in any court proceeding.
What is the difference between pro bono and legal aid in India?
Pro bono assistance generally refers to assistance from a member of the private Bar who, sometimes or even often in conjunction with a legal aid program, provides assistance without payment.
Does pro bono mean free?
The term "pro bono," which is short for pro bono publico, is a Latin term that means "for the public good." Although the term is used in different contexts to mean “the offering of free services,” it has a very specific meaning to those in the legal profession.
Who is the founder of Probono India?
Dr. Kalpeshkumar L Gupta
He is having around 18 years of experience including industry and academia.
Can a foreigner file a case in India?
Filing Civil Suit for Recovery of Money & Claiming Compensation & Damages: Foreign individuals and companies can file a civil suit in the appropriate Indian court seeking a money judgment against the Indian debtor.
Can I write a letter to a judge regarding a case in India?
You can certainly write a letter, but whether the judge will read it or even see it is moot. Judges' correspondence is normally received and opened by staff who hand it to the judge's clerk.
Can I fight my case without lawyer in India?
Section 32 of the Advocate's Act empowers you, the citizen, to appear before the court even if you're not an advocate. This means you can draft and submit your own petition, argue your case, and represent yourself throughout the legal proceedings. It's your right, granted by the law, to fight for your own justice.
Who pays court costs in civil cases in India?
(2) If the Court decides to make an order for payment of costs, the general rule is that the unsuccessful party shall be ordered to pay the costs of the successful party: Provided that the Court may make an order deviating from the general rule for reasons to be recorded in writing.
Do pro bono lawyers get paid if they win?
While a pro bono lawyer doesn't expect any payment whether you win or lose, a contingency lawyer typically only gets paid if the outcome is favorable. Pro bono attorneys often focus on social issues and cases concerning marginalized communities.
Are pro bono lawyers any good?
While people sometimes expect pro bono lawyers to be less capable or committed to their clients, that's not true, Johnson says. Legal service staff attorneys deliver results that are just as good as for-fee attorneys, and they tend to be the most passionate and committed lawyers, Johnson says.
Do doctors do pro bono work?
Physicians and Attorneys have long provided pro bono and charitable care where ever and whenever needed. Indeed, accountants, bakers, candlestick makers, and even musicians provide professional services to clients who are unable to pay for services provided.