e-Nyaya Sarathi

If they fall under Section 12 categories or income
ceilings; PLVs can assist with access and documentation.

If they meet Section 12 categories/income
thresholds.

SC/ST persons are categorically eligibl e;
atrocity victims are also covered.

Case -specific; consult DLSA; Act applies within
India; categorical eligibility may apply depending on status.

Yes, persons in custo dy include
protective homes.

Yes, custody includes juvenile homes.

Yes, custody includes psychiatric
hospitals/nursing homes.

Victims of industrial disasters are explicitly
eligible.

Victims of begar are explicitly eligible.
G. Documentation and verification

Identity proof and category certificates (e.g., SC/ST
certificate ), plus income affidavit.

102. Is an income affidavit sufficient? — Generally yes, unless the authority has reasons
to question it.

Submit an affidavit; authority may seek
clarification if needed.

Provide residential address; if homeless, explain
circumstances; PLVs assist.

Apply with an affidavit and seek PLV assistance to
reconstruct documentation.

If documents are in another language, translation costs
in proceedings can be covered.

Provide available case details; authority will
advise on obtaining certified copies.

Applications can be submitted by
representatives/PLVs when needed.

Not mandated by Act; provide available IDs accepted by
the authority.

Follow DLSA/SLSA format; affidavits are
standard for income claim s.
H. Timelines and process

Typically immediate to a few
days after acceptance; decision within 7 days.

By address/email; online applications get status updates.

If suitable for settlement, Lok Adalat
can provide quicker resolution.

Procedural time limits apply;
assigned counsel must adhere to statutory deadlines.

Inform the authority; urgent matters are
prioritized where possible.

Yes; the authority shares contact and
issues appointment/vakalatnama.

Follow up with the authority or appeal to the
Chairman/Executive Chairman.

Check DLSA/SLSA helplines; many offices provide phone
contact.

Front Offices exist at courts for assistance.

Offices work on working days;
emergencies can be routed via PLVs/police/jail clinics.
I. Lawyer assignment and quality

The relevant legal services authority/committe e assigns
panel advocates.

Make a request; authorities try to accommodate,
especially in sensitive cases.

123. Can I change my assigned lawyer? — Yes, upon justified complaint/reason; apply to
the authority.

Yes, panels are maintained by legal services
institutions.

No; their fees are paid by the authority under
prescribed schedules.

Assigned advocate is responsible for
representation; inform authority if defaults occur.

File a complaint to the higher authority;
substitution can be arranged.

Engage private counsel at own expense may lead to
withdrawal; consult authority first.

Yes; after assignment, coordinate via Front
Office/advocate.

Panels include subject
specialists; authorit ies allocate based on case type.
J. Denial, withdrawal, and appeals

Ineligibility; above income limit;
misrepresentation/fraud; non-cooperation; engaging other lawyer; abuse of process.

Yes, on grounds like fraud, non-cooperation, or
engaging another lawyer; death of applicant in non-surviving civil claims.

Appeal to Executive Chairman/Chairman of the Legal
Services Authority; their decisi on is final.

Possible if circumstances change; consult
authority.

Authority may review and
decide on continuation/withdrawal.

No; legal aid denial doesn ’t bar
access; consider other options/Lok Adalat.

Authorities should decide within
7 days; follow -up or appeal if delayed.

Abuse/fraud can lead to withdrawal; future
eligibility assessed case-by-case.

Authorities can scrutinize applications;
however, eligibility is primarily categorical/income -based; consult appea l route.

If otherwise eligible, yes;
disclose fully to avoid misrepresentation.
K. Rights and duties of beneficiaries

Free competent legal services,
information on assigned lawyer, copies, and fair processing.

Cooperate with authority/lawyer, provide truthful
information, and avoid engaging other counsel without permission.

143. Do I have to attend hearings? — Yes, unless exempted; follow counsel ’s advice and
court directions.

Yes, certified copies are part of services; your
lawyer/authority can arrange.

Lawyer advises; client decisions on settlement/pl eas
remain central; communicate preferences clearly.

Yes; request referral to mediation/Lok Adalat if
appropriate.

Yes, file complaint to higher authority; appeal
routes exist.

Courts may allow in-camera hearings in
appropriate cases; discuss with lawyer.

Authorities handle applications per
administrative norms; share only as needed for proceedings.

Yes; use diary number/Front Office;
authorities should inform promptly.
L. Lok Adalats and ADR

A people ’s court for amicable settlement under the Legal
Services Authorities Act.

Yes, Lok Adalat awards are final and executable like a
decree; no appeal lies, but parties may litigate afresh if no compromise on merits.

Family, bank recovery, labor, compoundable
criminal matters , and civil disputes amenable to settlement.

No court fee; refund of court fee on
settlement per rules.

A bench comprising judicial and non-judicial
members for balanced facilitation.

Apply to court/authority; pending and pre-
litigation matters can be referred.

Lawyers can assist; legal aid counsel may
represent eligible persons.

Yes; mediation is facilitated negotiation
with neutrality; Lok Adalat passes an award on settlement.

Yes, for public utility services disputes
with limited pecuniary jurisdi ction and conciliation -adjudication powers if no settlement.

Yes, authorities run pre-litigation Lok
Adalats to reduce court burden.
M. Supreme Court legal aid specifics

Annual income less than ₹5,00,000, or
otherwise eligible categories.

162. How to apply for Supreme Court legal aid? — Apply to SCLSC; forms/process via
SCLSC portal/office.

The Supreme Court has a MIG scheme
with capped fees for those below specified monthly/annual thresholds, separate from free
legal aid.

Assignment depends on case complexity and
panel availability; SCLSC manages panels.

Representation can extend to such
proceedings for eligible applicants; consult SCLSC.

Yes, preparation of
appeals/paper books including printing/translation is part of services.

Yes, SLPs fall under Supreme Court
proceedings for eligible persons.

Legal representation is covered; travel/lodging
is typically not part of standard entitlements.

Assigned counsel assists in curing defects
and managing filings.

Counsel follows Supreme Court e-filing rules; SCLSC
guides beneficiaries through counsel.
N. State variations and exam ples

Yes; states prescribe ceilings for non-Supreme
Court cases (e.g., Delhi ₹3,00,000 general; seniors/transgender ₹4,00,000).

States may include additional vulnerable
group s via regulations/schemes (e.g., HIV-affected, transgender).

Check SLSA websites/notifications for current
ceilings and categories.

District court/DLSA notices reflect current local
ceilings and processes; verify currency.

NALSA (Legal Services Clinics) Regulations,
2011 mandate clinics at grassroots level.

Many SLSAs maintain helplines and online portals;
check SLSA site.

Yes, organized periodically by legal
services institutions.

Implementation varies;
NALSA scheme exists; check state adoption.

Yes, periodic national/state
mega Lok Adalats are organized.

Translation in proceedings is included; local
language assistance via clinics/PLVs is common.
O. Specif ic scenarios

181. I’m a woman seeking maintenance; am I eligible? — Yes, women are categorically
eligible regardless of income.

Yes, SC persons are categorically
eligible.

Yes, disability is a categorical
ground under Section 12(c).

Yes, below
₹5,00,000 limit for Supreme Court cases.

Contact jail legal services
clinic/DLSA; you are eligible as a person in custody .

Yes, subject to Delhi’s stated ceiling
(₹4,00,000).

MASLSA lists HIV-affected persons as
eligible.

Disaster victims are eligible; apply with
an affidavit and PLV assistance.

Yes, industrial workmen
are eligible.

Yes, apply immediately and
inform urgency; counsel can seek interim reliefs.

Yes, legal aid can be
provided at appellate stage.

Yes, women are
categorically eligible.

Yes, if eligible; authority assigns
counsel for High Court filings.

Approach DLSA/TLSC
for pre-litigation Lok Adalat.

Yes, email application with required details
and documents is accepted.

Delhi indicates
seniors eligible up to ₹4,00,000.

Children are eligible up to age 18.

Yes, NALSA has a scheme for acid
attack victims implemented by states.

Case -specific; consult DLSA for eligibility in your
circumstances.

Yes, if eligible
under Section 12 or income limits.

P. Complaints and oversight

File a complaint to the higher authority than the
one where application was filed; substitution may be ordered.

Escalate to SLSA/Executive Chairman;
appeals mechanism exists.

RTI applies to public authorities; follow
RTI process with the authority.

The Act provides for finance, accounts, and
audit provisions.

Authorities monitor
functioning; complaints lead to review/replacement.

NALSA runs a Centre for Citizen Services in
New Delhi.

Provide feedback to DLSA/SLSA/NALSA; public
inputs inform schemes and operations.

Authorities supervise clinics and PLV
activities under regulations.

NALSA/SLSAs publish activity reports; check
websites.

Authorities communicate
acceptance/rejection; appeal is available.
Q. Awareness, outreach, and training

Yes, regular legal awareness camps
in rural/urban areas.

SLSAs often provide localized
materials; check state websites.

Yes, paralegal volunteers are trained and deployed by legal
services authorities.

Legal awareness efforts cover
educational institutions as part of outreach.

Yes, targeted outreach for
women, children, SC/ST, seniors, etc..

NALSA/SLSAs coordinate with NGOs for
delivery and clinics.

Counsel handles filings; clinics/Front
Office s assist beneficiaries with digital steps.

NALSA and SLSAs publish FAQs and guides.

Yes, NALSA issues and revises schemes (e.g.,
2016 Senior Citizens; 2025 Jagriti scheme).

SLSA websites list NALSA/state schemes and
regulations.
R. Income limits and proofs (state snapshots)

221. What is Delhi’s general income limit? — DSLSA notes ₹3,00,000 for general, with
seniors/transgender at ₹4,00,000.

HSLSA information pages detail criteria and Act
summaries; check current limit on HSLSA site.

A notice indicating ₹50,000 (illustrative)
exists; verify updated ceilings with HSLS A.

Manipur lists ₹3,00,000, and categories like seniors,
transgender, HIV-affected as eligible.

No; each state prescribes its own ceiling for
non-Supreme Court matters; verify local ly.

Yes, ₹5,00,000 annual income threshold
applies for SCLSC eligibility.

Income affidavit is primary; supporting
documents help; authority may verify.

Not mandatory under Act; may be requested if
affidavit is questioned.

Explain in affidavit; authority assesses eligibility
reasonably.

Yes, if under ceiling or categorical eligibility; declare
income by affidavit.
S. Procedural assistance

Yes, drafting and filing are part
of representation.

Yes, obtaining/supp lying certified
copies is included.

Yes, counsel can file interim relief
applications.

Counsel advises on lawful evidence
procurement and issues summons.

Translation/interpretation related to
proceedings can be facilitated.

Legal advice and linkage to counsel; FIR
lodging is a police function; PLVs can guide.

Assignment considers conflict of
interest; separate counsel may be appointed.

Yes, drafting legal notices in civil matters is
part of legal assistance.

Primary beneficiary is the eligible
applicant; witness support depends on case and schemes.

RTI filing is outside court proceedings; clinics may
guide but focus is litigation; confir m locally.

T. Quality and accountability

Panels are monitored;
complaints can lead to replacement.

Authorities prescribe honoraria; beneficiaries do
not pay pane l fees.

Generally one panel lawyer per case;
request change if justified.

Yes, lawyers must follow professional conduct; authorities
act on complaints.

Lawyer–client confidentiality applies.

No; report defaults to DLSA for remedial action.

Provide feedback/complaints to the authority; some states
collect service feedback.

Workloads vary; follow -up with Front Office; escalate if
unreasonable delays occur.

Yes, communicated per regulations; appeal
route exists.

Yes, serious lapses can lead to removal
from panel.
U. Pre-litigation and settlements

Settlement before filing cases to save
time/costs via legal services institutions.

Yes, common participants in pre-litigation Lok
Adalats.

Yes, many family matters are settled
pre-litigation.

Pending cases can be
referred; not necessar y to withdraw beforehand.

Lok Adalat award upon settlement is enforceable
like a decree.

Yes, compoundable criminal
matters can be settled in Lok Adalat.

No, but disputes ancillary to
such matters may be addressed; consult counsel.

Mediation/conciliation are confidential
processes.

Yes; Lok Adalat works on mutual agreement.

The case proceeds in court or other appropriate forum;
no prejudice for trying settlement.
V. Children and juveniles

No, children are categorically eligible up to 18
years.

262. Are Child Welfare Committees linked? — Legal services coordinate with juvenile
justice mechanisms; contact DLSA for linkage.

PLVs/authorities can facilitate applications;
guardians commonly apply on behalf.

Yes, children are categorically eligible; legal aid
supports proceedings.

If within legal proceedings and eligibility,
assistance may be provid ed.

Yes, family court matters qualify if
eligible.

Yes, trafficking victims and
children are eligible.

Yes, representation in JJBs is provided
for eligible juveniles.

Legal aid focuses on legal representation;
referrals to support services possible via schemes.

Legal support through counsel; special procedures
apply under law.
W. Women and gender -based violence

Yes, under Section 12(c).

Yes, including protection, residence, monetary reliefs.

Representation and advice for eligible women;
criminal prosecution is by state; legal aid helps with related proceedings.

Yes, family court matters qualify.

Authorities try to accommodate such
requests in sensitive matters.

Legal aid coordinates with support
schemes; core mandate is legal representation.

Legal advice and
representation in appropriate forums for eligible applicants.

Yes, civil matters qualify if eligible.

Yes, through civil/ criminal filings as
appropriate.

Yes, mediation/Lok Adalat referrals are
common.
X. Persons with disabilities/mental illness

Yes, persons who are mentally ill or otherwise
disabled qualify.

Legal services aim to ensure access;
request reasonable accommodations via authority.

Yes;
PLVs/guardians/relatives can assist with applications.

284. Are psychiatric custody cases covered? — Yes, persons in psychiatric
hospitals/nursing homes are eligible.

Provide available medical/official proof;
authority may accept affidavits subjec t to verification.

Interpretation related to proceedings can
be facilitated; request via authority.

Yes, counsel can represent eligible
persons in statutory proceedings.

Tribunal/authority matters can
be covered; confirm forum jurisdiction.

PLVs may assist with outreach; coordinate with DLSA.

Not part of standard legal aid;
referrals to welfare schemes may be possible.
Y. Custody and incarceration

Persons in custody are categorically eligible.

Yes, legal aid clinics operate within jails with
PLVs/lawyers.

Apply to jail clinic/DLSA; assigned counsel will
file bail applications.

Representation in such applications can be
supported for eligible inmates.

Yes, appellate representation is included for
eligible persons.

Yes, family/representatives can
apply to DLS A.

Custody status provides categorical eligibility; urgent
matters can be prioritized.

Courts often use VC; counsel participates per court
rules.

Yes, awareness and counseling are
conducted in jails.

Legal services institutions
coordinate with prisons; report obstacles to SLSA/NALSA.
Z. Industrial/labor matters

Yes, categorical eligibility for industrial
workmen.

Yes, for eligible workmen.

Yes, counsel can file claims where
jurisdiction lies.

Yes, representation before labor forums.

Representation for individual workmen
depends on eligibility and forum; union disputes are distinct; consult DLSA.

306. Are workplace accidents/ESI claims covered? — Tribunal representation may be
supported for eligible persons.

Yes, explicitly eligible.

Yes, pre-litigation/Lok Adalats can
address such disputes.

If they fall within industrial workman definition
and/or Section 12 categories or income limits.

If they qualify as industrial workmen and meet
other criteria.
AA. Disasters and mass incidents

Victims of mass disaster, ethnic violence, caste
atrocity, flood, drought, earthquake, industrial disaster.

FIRs, certificates, relief records;
affidavit if documents lost.

Legal services can coordinate multiple
beneficiaries; strategy per authority.

Yes, representation in claims
tribunals/authorities.

Legal aid coordinates with relief
agencies; core mandate remains legal representation.

Yes, if within legal proceedings and eligibility.

Legal aid helps with affidavits and
legal processes; civil documentation via other departments.

Counsel can assist with legal
procedures for declarations.

Outreach/awareness camps are common
post-disaster.

Legal services cover listed litigation costs
for eligible victims.
AB. Caste atrocities and violence

Yes, victims of caste atrocity are explicitly eligible.

Legal advice and representation
in proceedings; prosecution is by state; victim support via legal aid.

Yes, assistan ce in applications/appeals
for statutory reliefs.

Counsel can move appropriate
courts; schemes are separate from legal aid.

Yes, representation in designated courts for eligible
persons.

If within legal proceedings; eligibility applies.

ADR is possible where lawful and safe; not
for non-compoundable crimes.

328. Are protection orders available via legal aid? — Counsel can seek protection under
relevant laws.

Eligible victims can be assisted in permissible
appellate/revision processes.

Yes, outreach in affected regions is
organized.
AC. Trafficking and begar

Yes, explicit eligibility under Section 12(b).

Yes, covered by Section 12(b).

Legal aid supports legal aspects;
rehabilitation via other schemes with coordination.

Courts may conduct in-camera; counsel
will request as appropriate.

Legal processes protect victim identity
in applicable laws; counsel assists.

Yes, assistance in victim compensation
schemes applications/appeals.

Legal aid assists with Indian
proceedings; coordination with agencies as required.

Courts may permit; counsel can request.

Yes, custody includes
protective homes.

Authorities coordinate across
districts/states as needed.
AD. Housing and property

Yes, civil matters qualify for eligible
persons.

Eligible persons can receive representation
in relevant proceedings.

Yes, civil litigation support for eligible
applicants.

Representation before
authorities/tribunals where eligible.

Legal advice; litigation support if a dispute
arises.

Tribunal/forum representation may be provided
to eligible perso ns.

Yes, if within legal forums and
eligibility.

Yes, civil suits for eligible persons.

Yes, subject to forum and eligibil ity.

Yes, mediation/Lok Adalat for settlement.

AE. Family and personal law

Yes, for eligible persons (e.g., women categorically).

Yes, famil y court representation is
provided.

Yes, under CrPC 125 and personal laws.

Yes, civil/criminal remedies with legal
aid support.

Settlements can be
facilitated; court procedure must be complied with.

Yes, writs/protection orders
with counsel.

Yes, protection/residence orders
under DV Act.

Yes, eligible applicants receive
representation.

Yes, execution applications
are part of litigation.

Yes, family mediation/Lok Adalat are common.
AF. Education and welfare benefits

Representation before authorities/tribunals if
eligible.

Yes, service/benefit claims for eligible applicants.

Legal assistance in writs/appeals for eligible
persons.

Yes, if a legal dispute arises and
applicant is eligible.

Yes, tribunal representation as applicable.

Legal recourse assisted for eligible
applicants.

Yes, legal aid in appropriate forums for
eligible persons.

Consumer/medical negligence cases for
eligible persons.

Yes, forum representation for eligible
beneficiaries.

Core focus is litigation; some clinics may guide;
verify locally.
AG. Criminal law support

Yes, free and competent legal
services include criminal defense for eligible persons.

Legal services assist victims in
filings/compensation; prosecution is conducted by the state.

373. Are anticipatory bail applications covered? — Yes, counsel can file ABA for eligible
applicants.

Yes, appellate work for eligible persons.

Yes, counsel assists where law permits.

Counsel may advise and file as per
CrPC.

Court s/jails coordinate to ensure
representation; jail clinics help.

Counsel advises on legal
requirements; bond payment itself is separate.

Legal services coordinate with
court schedules; availability varies.

Yes, juvenile justice provisions apply;
legal aid supports representation in JJBs.
AH. Civil litigation and tribunals

Yes, for eligible applicants.

Representation in tribunals may be
provided; confirm panel availability.

Yes, MACT claims for eligible persons.

Eligible persons can be represented in service
tribunals/courts.

Legal services focus on weaker sections; tax litigation
may be less common; consult DLSA.

Permanent Lok Adalats cover public
utility service disputes within limits.

Yes, subject to eligibility.

Representation may be provided for
eligible individ uals; corporate IBC is distinct; consult DLSA.

Legal aid may advise; court -connected
arbitration -related proceedings can be covered.

Yes, if within legal forums and eligibilit y.
AI. Technology and online access

Yes, along with required details;
originals may be requested later.

Courts allow e-processes per rules; the
authority guides through counsel.

Use official email/portals; some
offices may allow helpline intake; confirm locally.

Courts permit VC per rules; counsel will
arrange.

Some authorities provide digital updates; diary number
tracking is available online.

396. Is the LSMS open 24/7? — Online portals accept applications anytime; processing
on working days.

Depends on court; counsel complies with relevant rules.

Court fee payments in proceedings are covered under
legal aid services.

Per portal requirements; physical originals may be
sought later.

Some courts/centers offer ODR; consult DLSA.
***

State annual income, sources, that it is
below the applicable ceiling; affidavits are generally sufficient unless the authority doubts
it.

A valid caste certificate issued by the competent
authority to establish eligibility under Section 12(a).

A disability certificate/medical documents
consistent with the recognized disability categories for eligibility.