The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is India’s apex body for free legal aid. It was constituted in 1995 under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The institution works to ensure equal access to justice for economically and socially weaker sections across India through legal aid and Lok Adalats.

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•  NALSA constituted on 5 December 1995 under Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
•  Constitutional backing from Article 39A, ensuring equal justice and free legal aid
•  Chief Justice of India is Patron-in-Chief; NALSA housed in Supreme Court
•  Core aim: free legal services for poor, marginalised, and vulnerable groups
•  Organises Lok Adalats for speedy, amicable dispute resolution
•  State Legal Services Authorities set up in every state and UT
•  District Legal Services Authorities operate through district courts
•  Eligibility includes SC/STs, women, children, disabled, workers, disaster victims
•  Disburses funds to states and NGOs for legal aid programmes
•  Key challenge: low awareness, uneven implementation, training gaps