Is legal aid free in India?

Asked by: Yasmeen Jacobs  |  Last update: September 27, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (59 votes)

Yes, you are eligible for free legal aid if you fulfil the criteria under Section 12 (h) of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.

How to talk to a lawyer for free in India?

The National Legal Services Authority( Nalsa) provides Pro-bono services. Similarly each State has this forum such as Dalsa (Delhi) etc. Other than that there are organisations or rather NGOs such as HRLN (Human Resource Law Network) and PUCL ( Pe...

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.

How much do lawyers charge for legal advice in India?

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. In high-stakes legal matters, the overall cost can significantly impact decision-making.

Is legal services free for senior citizens in India?

a) All senior citizens who are entitled to legal aid under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 shall be provided legal aid on a priority basis. b) JHALSA shall ensure that the senior citizens do not have to face any kind of discomfort in procedural wrangles.

Free Legal Aid In India - EXPLAINED

21 related questions found

Who is eligible for free legal aid in India?

It states that those persons who have annual income of less than the amount prescribed by the respective State Government, if the case is before any court other than the Supreme Court, and less than Rs. 5 Lakhs, if the case is before the Supreme Court, are eligible for free legal aid.

What is the senior citizen assistance in India?

The basic objective of the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) is to provide separate, specialized and comprehensive health care to the senior citizens at various level of State health care delivery system including outreach services.

What are the problems with legal aid in India?

The legal aid lawyers IndiaSpend spoke to said that there is little incentive to be part of the legal aid system as “pay is not commensurate with the work or the effort it took them to become a lawyer, payments from the legal aid services authority are often delayed, legal aid counsel are not respected as much as ...

What happens if you don't have enough money for a lawyer?

Contact Your County or State Bar Association

For example, the State Bar of California provides assistance to those who can't afford a lawyer. They collaborate with legal aid groups to help low-income individuals, including seniors, people with disabilities, and the homeless.

Can I go to court without a lawyer in India?

There is nothing binding that one has to file civil case through an advocate only. The party can always appear in person in court for defending his case.

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.

Can I chat with a lawyer for free?

In California, as in other states, free legal advice is available by simple calling 1-800-THE-LAW2 and getting connected to one of the attorneys in our network. In fact, we've been serving Californians and the local community since the 1980s.

How much does a lawyer charge per hour in India?

Hourly rate: This is the most common fee arrangement where the lawyer charges a set amount per hour. The rates can vary based on the lawyer's experience and expertise. In India, hourly rates range from ₹1,000 to ₹30,000 or more.

Can I file a case in India from abroad?

As an NRI, you have the right to seek justice if you believe an offense has been committed against you in India. The legal avenues mentioned above provide you with various options for filing police complaints from abroad.

Do I have to pay court fees immediately?

amount of court costs, are due the day of your sentencing. In very rare cases up to 72 hours may be allowed for you to pay a significant amount of your fines and court costs.

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.

Who is the No 1 lawyer in India?

A: While it is difficult to pick the one best lawyer, given below are some of the most famous lawyers in India: Ram Jethmalani. Soli Sorabjee. Fali S Nariman.

Who is the most expensive influencer in India?

Top 10 Richest Influencers in India (2025)
  • Bhuvan Bam. Bhuvan Bam, the creator behind BB Ki Vines, continues to dominate the digital space in 2025. ...
  • Prajakta Koli. ...
  • CarryMinati (Ajey Nagar) ...
  • Ashish Chanchlani. ...
  • Komal Pandey. ...
  • Gaurav Taneja (Flying Beast) ...
  • Jannat Zubair. ...
  • Nikhil Sharma (Mumbiker Nikhil)

What do 60 year olds get free?

For example, anyone over 60 will receive free prescriptions from the NHS. You will also be eligible for a free NHS eyesight test, so you should definitely inform your optician if you still haven't had an appointment. If you're aged 65 or over, you can also get the free NHS flu vaccine.

Is there any legal help for senior citizens in India?

Legal aid clinics for senior citizens in India are overseen by key authorities. The National Legal Services Authority (NLSA) coordinates and formulates policies at the national level. State Legal Services Authorities (SLSA) operate at the state level, collaborating with district legal services authorities.

How does India treat their elderly?

In its traditions, in its religious tenets and in its laws, India has long cemented the belief that it is a child's duty to care for his aging parents. But in a land known for revering its elderly, a secret shame has emerged: A burgeoning population of older people abandoned by their own families.