Justice for All: Why India Must Strengthen Its Legal Aid System

India’s Constitution promises justice to everyone—regardless of wealth or background. Article 39A, a Directive Principle added through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, clearly mandates free legal aid for those who cannot afford it.

This vision led to the creation of institutions like NALSA (National Legal Services Authority) and State Legal Services Authorities, which run legal aid clinics across the country. Today, there is one legal clinic for every 163 villages—a decent spread. But access is still a big issue.

The India Justice Report 2025 points out two major roadblocks:

Limited Funding – Legal aid receives only 1% of the entire justice budget.

Wastage of Resources – Some funds are spent on vehicles, events, and even plantations—while many poor citizens struggle to access justice.

Though some states like Karnataka and Maharashtra have doubled their allocations, the central government’s contribution has actually dropped.

Another issue is the underpaid paralegal volunteers—the first point of contact for rural citizens seeking legal help. Many receive just ₹250 per day, less than minimum wage. How can we expect motivation without fair compensation?

On the brighter side, the LADC Scheme (Legal Aid Defense Counsel) launched in 2022 is a step forward. Funded by the Centre, it provides defense support even in criminal cases—much like the U.S. Public Defender system.

But to make justice truly accessible, India needs:

Better funding from both Centre and States

Zero waste in spending

Respect and fair pay for paralegal volunteers

Greater awareness of legal rights and alternative dispute resolution methods

Justice should never be a privilege—it must be a right.

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