National Legal Service Day (NLSD) is annually observed across India on 9th November to promote legal awareness and ensure equitable access to justice, particularly for marginalized communities.
- 9th November 2024 marks 30th observance of NLSD.
Background:
i.Legal Services Authorities Act was passed in October 1987 under Article 39A of the Indian Constitution.
ii.In 1995, the Supreme Court (SC) of India declared NLSD to commemorate the enactment of the act.
iii.Following the initiative of Dr. Justice A.S. Anand at the first Annual Meet of the State Legal Services Authorities which took place on 12th September 1998 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, 9th November is celebrated every year by Legal Service Authorities “Legal Service Day”
iii.The first ever NLSD was celebrated on 09th November 1995.
Significance:
i.The day highlights empowerment of marginalized communities, stressing the need for equal access to justice, and ensuring that no one is denied legal representation due to financial limitations.
ii.The day aims to ensure that access to legal aid is not a privilege but a fundamental right.
iii.The day also makes sure that justice reaches every corner of the country, primarily targeting the weaker sections of society such as women, disabled individuals, Scheduled Tribes(ST), children, Scheduled Castes(SC), victims of human trafficking, and those affected by natural calamities.
National Legal Services Authority (NALSA):
NALSA, was constituted on 5th December, 1995 for making legal services available under the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987.
Functions:
i.It supervises and reviews the implementation of legal aid programs (in National Level) by laying down policies, principles, guidelines, and framing effective and economical schemes.
ii.NALSA also conducts legal literacy programs along with the State Legal Services Authorities.
iii.To provide free legal services to the weaker sections of society and to organise Lok Adalats for peaceful dispute resolution.
About National Legal Services Authority (NALSA):
Patron-in-Chief – Justice Sanjiv Khanna (Chief Justice of India, CJI)
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Established – 1995
