Legal Services Authorities have come a long way in India. On the occasion of NALSA[1]’s 25th Anniversary, we trace the journey of legal aid in Independent India:
Bombay Committee 1949 – the Committee on Legal Aid and Legal Advice was formed in Bombay to consider granting legal aid in civil and criminal cases to persons with limited means.
Kerala Rules 1958 – Kerala enacted the Kerala Legal Aid (to the poor) Rules, which was way ahead of its time regarding its outlook to legal aid. It provided for legal assistance by representation in cases intended to safeguard workers and tenants' interests etc.
14th Report of the Law Commission of India 1958 – The report dealt with Reforms in the Administration of Justice and dedicated an entire chapter on legal aid
Central Govt Scheme of 1960 – The GoI prepared an outline for a legal aid scheme, considering the recommendations of the Bombay Committee. However, the states' response was not very encouraging, and they expressed their inability to allocate any funds for it.
Third All India Lawyers Conference 1962 – The Third All India Lawyers conference made many essential recommendations on Legal Aid, including viewing the provision of legal aid as an obligation of the Central and state governments.
National Conference on Legal Aid 1970 – It recommended enacting legislation to make legal aid a statutory obligation of the State. It also called upon the courts, bar councils, and law faculties to contribute to a nationwide program to help the poor and indigent.
Gujarat Committee 1970 – also known as Bhagwati Committee, saw Legal Service Institutions and free legal aid as a socio-economic necessity in a country like ours. It recommended free legal assistance in all the courts.
Expert Committee Report 1973 – Justice Krishna Iyer emphasized the need for Panchayati justice and legal aid to the rural poor, making a strong case for a network of LSIs at the national and state level, utterly autonomous from government control.
The Juridical Committee 1976 – The report submitted by Justice PN Bhagwati and Justice Krishna Iyer titled ‘National Juridicare: Equal Justice – Social Justice,’ suggested decentralizing justice reprisal mechanisms strengthen the system of ‘Nyay Panchayat.’
Committee for Implementing Legal Aid Schemes 1980-Envisaged to be a Central body controlled jointly by the Executive and the Judiciary for implementing legal aid schemes. In 1985 CILAS finalized a model scheme for legal aid that led to Lok Adalats in many states.
Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 – The parliament of India enacted the Act to create Legal Services Authorities from the Taluka to the Supreme Court level.
This Article Does Not Intend To Hurt The Sentiments Of Any Individual Community, Sect, Or Religion Etcetera. This Article Is Based Purely On The Authors Personal Views And Opinions In The Exercise Of The Fundamental Right Guaranteed Under Article 19(1)(A) And Other Related Laws Being Force In India, For The Time Being.
