e-Nyaya Sarathi

Employment records/ID or an affidavit; the
authority may verify as needed.

Jail/institution details; persons in custody are
categorically eligible under Section 12(g).

Relief records, certificates, FIRs, or an affidavit if
documents are lost; disaster victims are covered under Section 12(e).

Complaint details, medica l records,
messages; women are categorically eligible under Section 12(c).

Appointment letter, wage slips, PF/ESI records; industrial
workmen are eligible under Section 12(f).

Rent receipts, rental agreement, notices; eligible
persons receive representation in civil proceedings.

Title deeds, mutation/revenue records; certified
copies can be obtained through legal aid processes.
AK. Interactions with autho rities (411–420)

Yes; the authority may seek
clarifications/documents before approval under Section 13 procedures.

They may redirect or refer to the
appropriate authority/forum with jurisdiction.

SLSAs coordinate/allocate matters per regulations
and may handle or refer certain categories.

Yes; High Court Legal Services
Committees process High Court cases.

Yes; Supreme Court Legal
Services Committee covers SC filings with specific income criteria.

416. What if my case spans multiple states? — Authorities coordinate referrals across
jurisdictions to the competent legal services body.

Yes; obtaining and supplying certified copies
is part of free legal services.

The concerned Legal Services
Authority/Committee must be satisfied that a prima facie case exists.

Generally yes, unless there are reasons to
disbelieve it under Section 13(2).

Authorities should act without delay; many bodies
target quick decisions, with the right to appeal denials.
AL. Appeals and denials (421–430)

Ineligibility, exceeding income limits, lack of
prima facie case, misrepresentation, or non-cooperation.

Appeal to the Executive Chairman/Chairman of the
concerned Legal Services Authority/Committee.

Yes, for fraud, engaging another lawyer without
permission, or persistent non-cooperation.

The authority may review
continuation or withdrawal of aid based on updated eligibility.

No; denial of legal aid does not prevent
filing/defending a case through other means.

Yes, if circumstances change or with additional material
supporting eligibility.

Authorities communicate acceptance/rejection;
reasons are generally provided with appeal routes.

Authorities must see a prima facie case;
categorical/income eligibility still applies.

Follow up with the authority and escalate/appeal if
necessary.

If subsequently granted legal aid or on
justified grounds, the authority may assign/replace counsel.
AM. Costs covered (431–440)

Yes, court/process fees are part of free legal services.

Yes, obtaining and supplying certified copies is
included.

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

Yes, panel advocates are paid by the authority;
beneficiaries pay nothing for sanctioned services.

Lok Adalats organized by legal services
authorities do not charge parties, and court fees are refundable on settlement as per rules.

436. Are expert witness costs covered? — Case -specific and subject to authority ’s
rules/sanction; confirm with the authority.

Not standard entitlements; core inclusions are set by
the Act/schemes.

Court fee payments in proceedings are included in free
legal services.

Yes, as part of preparation and
document supply in legal proceedings.

Yes, appeals/paper books are included in the
free services.
AN. Lok Adalats and enforcement (441–450)

A statutory forum for amicable settlement under the Legal
Services Authorities Act, 1987.

Yes; deemed a civil court decree, final and
binding, with no appeal lying against such awards.

Yes; awards are executable as civil
court decrees under Section 21.

Yes; Supreme Court has
affirmed awards are decrees regardless of civil/criminal referral origin.

Civil, family, bank recovery, labor, and
compoundable criminal matters amenable to settlement.

The matter proceeds in the regular forum; no prejudice
for attempting settlement.

Yes; for public utility service disputes with
conciliation and limited adjudicatory powers if no settlement.

Representation is allowed and can be provided
via legal aid for eligible persons.

Yes, court fee is refundable as per rules when
cases settle in Lok Adalat.

No regular appeal lies; limited remedies
may exist only on narrow grounds, since awards are final like decrees.
AO. Supreme Court legal aid (451–460)

Annual income less than ₹5,00,000
qualifies under SCLSC Rule 7/Section 12(h).

All Section 12 categories (SC/ST,
women/children, persons with disabilities, custody , disaster victims, industrial workmen).

Apply to the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee
per its SOPs and forms.

No; SC legal aid is absolutely free to
eligible litigants.

455. Are SLPs, reviews, and curatives covered? — SCLSC provides representation for
eligible SC proceedings as per its procedures.

Yes, preparation including
printing/translation is part of free legal services.

Yes; provide documents/affidavits supporting
category or income per SOPs.

Assignment depends on panel availability and
case complexity per SCLSC norms.

Persons in custody are categorically eligible and
may seek SC legal aid through appropriate channels.

The Supreme Court operates a Middle
Income Group scheme with capped fees, distin ct from free legal aid.
AP. Income ceilings and states (461–470)

Yes; each state prescribes its own limit for non-
Supreme Court matters under Section 12(h).

Many states have ₹3,00,000; others differ (e.g.,
₹1,50,000 or ₹1,00,000) per the NALSA/state lists.

Yes; ₹5,00,000 annual income for Supreme Court
matters.

State Legal Services Authority sites and
published NALSA/state FAQs list the ceilings.

Yes, unless the authority has reason to
disbelieve it under Section 13(2).

Yes; Section 12(c) provides
categorical eligibility.

Yes; Section 12(a) provides categorical
eligibility.

Yes; Section 12(g) provides
categorical eligibility.

Yes; Section 12(e) covers
victims of listed disasters.

Yes; Section 12(f) provides
categorical eligibility.
AQ. Technology and online access (471–480)

Yes; NALSA/SLSAs accept online/email applications
and operate front offices for assistance.

Yes; originals may be requested later
for verification.

Many authorities provide diary/status
updates by email/SMS/online portals.

Yes; courts permit VC per applicable
rules; counsel manages filings/appearance.

475. Is e-filing used? — Yes; counsel follows e-filing rules of the respective court,
including the Supreme Court.

Portals may accept uploads; physical originals
may be required later.

Applications can be submitte d anytime; processing
occurs on working days.

Court/process fees are covered as part of free
legal services.

Use official portals/emails; helplines assist
intake per local practice.

Some courts/centers offer ODR; check with
the local authority.
AR. Criminal law support (481–490)

Yes; eligible persons receive free and
competent criminal defense services.

Legal services assist victims with
applications/compensation; prosecution is by the state.

Yes; counsel can file anticipatory bail for eligible
applicants.

Yes; appellate proceedings are included for
eligible persons.

Counsel may advise and file per CrPC for eligible
persons.

Legal services coordina te to ensure
representation, including jail legal services clinics.

Conflicts are assessed; separate
counsel may be appointed if needed.

Counsel advises on legal requirements;
bond amounts are judicial matters.

Availability follows court schedules; legal
services coordinate as feasible.

Yes; juvenile justice mechanisms apply,
with representation in JJBs.
AS. Civil litigation and tribunals (491–500)

Yes, for eligible applicants under the Act.

Representation before tribunals may be
provided; check panel availability.

Yes; MACT claims are commonly supported.

Eligible persons can be represented before service
tribunals/courts.

Focus is on weaker sections; availability varies; consult
the authority.

496. Are electricity/water disputes covered? — Permanent Lok Adalats cover public
utility services within limits.

Yes, subject to eligibility.

Individual cases may be supported;
consult the authority for scope.

Court -connected matters can
be covered for eligible persons.

Yes, if within legal forums and eligibility.
AT. Women and gender -based violence (501–510)

Yes; categorical eligibility under
Section 12(c).

Yes; protection , residence, monetary reliefs
with legal aid counsel.

Legal advice/representation for eligible
women; criminal prosecution is by the state.

Yes; family court matters qualify.

Authorities strive to accommodate such requests,
especially in sensitive cases.

Legal aid coordinates with welfare services; core
mandate is legal representation.

Legal advice/representation in
appropriate forums for eligible applicants.

Yes; civil remedies are
supported for eligible persons.

Yes; legal services regularly refer suitable cases
to mediation/Lok Adalat.

Children are categorically eligible; legal
aid supports related proceedings.
AU. Children and juveniles (511–520)

Yes; up to age 18 under Section 12(c).

No; categorical eligibility applies.

Guardians/relatives or with assistance from
PLVs and authorities .

Yes; juveniles receive representation before
JJBs.

Legal services coordinate with juvenile justice
institutions as needed.

Yes, if within legal proceedings and eligibility.

Yes; trafficking victims and
children are eligible.

Yes; eligible applicants receive
representation.

519. Are counseling services included? — Legal aid focuses on legal representation;
referrals to support services may be provided.

Yes; counsel ensures special procedures
are followed in court.
AV. Persons with disabilities/mental illness (521–530)

Yes; persons with disabilities are covered
under Section 12(c)/related provisions.

Authorities strive to ensure access;
request reasonable accommodations.

Yes; PLVs/guardians can
assist with applications.

Yes; custody includes psychiatric
hospitals/nursing homes.

Provide available medical/official proof;
authorities may accept affidavits subject to verification.

Interpretation related to proceedings
can be arranged.

Yes; counsel can represent in
statutory proceedings for eligible persons.

Tribunal/authority matters may be
covered; confirm forum scope.

Not standard under legal aid; referrals to
welfare schemes possible.
AW. Custody and incarceration (531–540)

Yes; clinics operate in prisons with
PLVs/lawyers.

Apply via jail clinic/DLSA; counsel files bail
applications.

Eligible inmates can receive
representation for such applications.

Yes; appellate representation is included for
eligible persons.

Yes; representatives can apply to DLSA on
behalf of inmates.

Custody provides categorical eligibility; urgent
matters may be prioritized.

Courts commonly use VC; counsel
participates per rules.

Yes; legal awareness and counseling occur
in jails.

540. Can prison authorities block legal aid access? — Legal services coordinate with
prisons; escalate to SLSA/NALSA if obstacles arise.
AX. Disasters and mass incidents (541–550)

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

Relief/compensation records, government
certif icates, FIRs, or affidavits when records are lost.

Legal services may coordinate multiple
beneficiaries; strategy per authority.

Yes; representation in claims
tribunals/aut horities for eligible victims.

Yes; legal representation is available for eligible
persons.

Legal processes/affidavits can be supported; other
departments handle civil documen tation.

Yes; outreach in affected areas is
common.

Listed litigation costs are covered as part of
free legal services.

Yes; pre-litigation conciliation/Lok
Adalats are organized.
AY. Caste atrocities and violence (551–560)

Yes; victims of caste atrocity are covered under
Section 12(e).

Legal services assist with proceedings;
prosecution is by the state.

Yes; counsel helps with statutory
applications and appeals.

Counsel can move appropriate
courts for protection measures.

Yes; representation in designated courts for eligible
persons.

Yes; if within legal proceedings and eligibility.

ADR may be used where lawful and safe; not for
non-compoundable crimes.

Counsel can seek protecti on orders under
relevant laws.

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

560. Are legal aid camps held in affected areas? — Yes; authorities conduct outreach and
camps.
AZ. Trafficking and begar (561–570)

Yes; explicit eligibility under Section 12(b).

Yes; covered by Section 12(b).

Legal aid supports legal
processes; rehabilitation via coordinated schemes.

Law provides identity protections in
applicable cases; counsel assists.

Yes; assistance in state victim
compensation schemes applications and appeals.

Legal aid assists with Indian proceeding s;
coordination with agencies as required.

Courts may permit; counsel can request VC
depositions.

Yes; custody includes protective
homes under Section 12(g).

Authorities coordinate across
districts/states for comprehensive support.
BA. Housing and property (571–580)

Yes; civil matters qualify for eligible
applicants.

Eligible persons can receive representation
against unlawful actions.

Yes; civil litigation is supported for eligible
persons.

Representation before
authorities/tribunals is available.

Legal advice and litigation if a dispute
arises.

Eligible persons may receive tribunal/forum
representation.

Yes; eligible persons can get civil
representation.

Yes; subject to forum and eligibi lity.

Yes; mediation/Lok Adalat are commonly used.
BB. Education and welfare benefits (581–590)

581. Are scholarship disputes covered? — Representation before authorities/tribunals if
eligible.

Yes; benefit claims may be supported.

Writs/appeals for eligible persons can be assisted.

Yes; if a legal dispute arises and eligibility
is met.

Yes; tribunal representation as applicable.

Legal recourse can be assisted for eligible
persons.

Yes; representation in appropriate
forum s.

Consumer/medical negligence cases for
eligible persons are supported.

Yes; representation for eligible
beneficiaries.

Core focus is litigation; clinics may guide; check
locally.
BC. Quality and accountability (591–600)

Yes; legal services institutions maintain and monitor
panels.

Authorities prescribe honorari a; beneficiaries do
not pay panel fees.

Yes, on justified grounds via application to the
authority.

File a complaint to the higher authority; substitution
and action may follow.

Lawyer–client confidentiality applies.

No; report defaults to the authority for action.

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

Yes; authorities accept
feedback/complaints.

NALSA and SLSAs publish activities and reports.

Yes; serious lapses can lead to de-
panelment.
BD. Applying and process details (601–610)

TLSC/DLSA/SLSA for local courts; HCLSC for High Courts;
SCLSC for Supreme Court.

Yes; officials/PLVs help record oral applicat ions.

No; applications for free legal services carry no fee.

Personal info, eligibility category/income affidavit,
case details, and reasons for aid.

605. How soon is a decision made? — Auth orities aim for quick decisions; follow -ups and
appeals are available for delays.

Normally panel allocation; special requests can be
considered.

Yes; diary numbers/status updates by email/po rtal are
common.

Indicate urgency; authorities prioritize urgent matters
where possible.

Yes; jail legal services clinics assist with applications.

NGOs coordina te with legal services; formal
processing is through authorities.
BE. Proofs and affidavits (611–620)

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

Follow local formats; affidavits per Section 13(2) are
standard for income.

Submit an affidavit; the authority may seek
clarification or assist in obtaining copies.

Provide address; homeless applicants can explain
circum stances with assistance from PLVs.

Translation in proceedings is covered as part of legal
aid services.

They may, if they have reason to doubt the
affidavit.

Not mandated by the Act; may be requested if the
affidavit is questioned.

It can support the affidavit; the affidavit
remains the primary proof.

Repre sentatives/PLVs can assist with
submissions when needed.

Authorities may ask for originals during
verification even if scans were submitted.
BF. Case types and forums (621–630)

Yes; legal services extend to tribunals for eligible persons.

Yes, for eligible applicants.

Yes; matrimonial, maintenance, guardianship matters.

Yes; industrial workmen are categorically eligible.

Proceedings before authorities are
included for eligible persons.

Eligible persons may receive support; sponsorship depends
on authority assessment.

627. Are High Court writs covered? — Yes; eligible applicants can be represented via
HCLSC/SLSA panels.

Yes; through SCLSC for eligible persons.

Yes; mediation is facilitated negotiation,
while Lok Adalat issues an award upon settlement.

Yes; authorities run pre-litigation Lok
Adalats to reduce court burdens.
BG. Special categories (631–640)

Covered where state schemes/ceilings apply; check
state criteria.

NALSA schemes support victims; states
implement assistance.

Covered where states list them as eligible; check
state SLSA criteria.

States may explicitly include transgender
persons under specified ceilings; check local criteria.

Case -specific; eligibility depend s on
category/jurisdiction; consult authority.

If they meet Section 12 categories or income
thresholds.

If they fall under Section 12 or income criteria,
with PLV assistance for documentation.

Yes; victims of listed disasters qualify.

Yes; victims of begar are explicitly eligible.

Yes; custody includ es protective homes
under Section 12(g).
BH. Timelines and lawyer assignment (641–650)

The relevant Legal Services Authority/Committee assigns
panel advocates.

Panel allocation is standard ; requests may be
accommodated where justified.

Typically promptly after approval;
urgent cases prioritized.

Yes; report defaults to the authority for
action.

Yes, upon justified complaint or reasons accepted by
the authority.

No; fees are paid by the authority.

Yes; subject -matter panels (family, labor, etc.)
exist in many authorities.

Yes; front offices help coordinate meetings after
assignment.

649. Who communicates the assignment? — The authority informs both the applicant and
the assigned counsel.

Assigned counsel files appeals within statutory
timelines for eligible persons.
BI. Pre-litigation and settlements (651–660)

Settlement efforts before filing to save
time/costs through legal servic es institutions.

Yes; they commonly join pre-litigation Lok
Adalats.

Yes; many family matters settle pre-
litigation.

No; pending cases can be
referred without withdrawal.

Yes; a Lok Adalat award is enforceable like a civil
court decree.

Yes; compoundable matters may be
settled in Lok Adalat.

No; only ancillary civil aspects may be
addressed; consult counsel.

Mediation/conciliation are confidential processes.

Yes; settlement requires mutual consent.

The case proceeds in the regular forum without
prejudice.
BJ. Rights and duties (661–670)

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

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

Yes, unless exempted by court; follow counsel ’s advice
and court directions.

Yes; certified copies are provided as part
of services.

Counsel advises; key decisions (e.g., settlement/pleas)
remain with the client.

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

Courts may allow in-camera hearings
where appropriate.

Authorities handle applications per administrative
norms, sharing only as needed for proceedings.

Yes; use diary numbers/front offices/portals for
updates.

670. Can I submit feedback? — Yes; provide feedback/complaints to the authority; it
informs service improvements.
BK. Miscellaneous scenarios (671–700)

Yes; women are categorically
eligible.

Yes; SC/ST are categorically eligible.

Yes; disability is a categorical
ground.

Yes; below the
₹5,00,000 SC limit.

Contact the jail legal services
clinic/DLSA; custody confers eligibility.

Yes; indicate urgency; counsel can
seek interim reliefs.

Yes; legal aid can be
provided at the appellate stage if eligible.

Yes; email/online applications are accepted by
legal services institutions.

Yes; disaster victims are eligible; apply with
an affidavit and seek assistance.

Yes; states may revise ceilings; check current
SLSA/NALSA lists.

NALSA offices are in New Delhi; it coordinates legal
services nationally.

The Chief Justice of India is Patron -in-Chief of NALSA.

Promotion of justic e on the basis of equal
opportunity and free legal aid.

Yes; legal services authorities regularly conduct
camps.

Yes; fee refund applies as
per rules when matters settle.

No regular appeal lies; it is final and binding
like a decree.

Yes; SCLSC publishes SOPs and procedures for
applicants.

SC public information references
aid for persons below ₹5,00,000 and SC/ST categories.

Many SLSAs publish FAQs and eligibility criteria
online.

691. What if I’m over state ceiling but a woman? — Women are categoricall y eligible
regardless of income.

Considered custody; categorical
eligibility applies.

Yes;
deemed a civil decree and execut able.

Yes; affidavit proving income
≤₹5,00,000 is required for income -based eligibility.

Yes; NALSA/state documents compile
state-wise ceilings.

Yes; explicitly covered under Section
12(e).

Many authorities maintain specialized
panels; verify locally.

Yes; obtaining and supplyin g
certified copies is included.

Yes; appropriate ADR
referrals are common.

Yes; every award is deemed a civil
court decree and is executable, with no appeal lying.
*** BL. Enforcement, awards, and decrees (701–720)

Yes, every Lok Adalat award is
final and binding, and no appeal lies against it under Section 21(2).

Yes, by law each award is
deemed a decree of a civil court (or order of the referring court) and is executable as such.

Yes, execution proceeds like a civil
decree per Secti on 21 of the Act.

No; a settlement -based award is deemed a civil decree and executable irrespective of source.

No regular
appeal lies; Section 21(2) bars appeals against Lok Adalat awards.

Yes, refund is provided in the
manner under the Court -fees Act when a case is settled.

No; execute it like a civil decree
in the executing court.

Yes; terms recorded in the award are
enforceable like a decree.

No appeal lies; only limited,
exceptional remedies may be explored, but Section 21 confers finality.

Yes; the Legal Services Authorities Act,
1987 is a central law applicable nationwide.

711. Who bears costs of certified copies/filings for execution if I have legal aid? —
Necessary litigation costs such as certified copies and process fees are covered under legal
aid entitlements for eligible persons.

Yes; Lok Adalat
awards are decrees under Section 21, while PLAs have specific powers under Chapter VI-A.

Yes; decrees can be transferred and
executed per the Code of Civil Procedure.

Yes; the award ’s recorded
terms (including interest/installments) are enforceable as a decree.

Enforcement follows the
award ’s terms; additional claims generally require proper proceedings outside the settled
terms.

Executing courts can use CPC
mechanisms, including process enforcement.

Yes; such awards are
decrees and executable.

Eligible beneficiaries can receive
representation for execution through legal services institutions.

Limitation for executing
decrees under CPC applies.

The full text is available in the Legal Services
Authorities Act on India Code.
BM. Eligibility refresher and proofs (721–740)

SC/ST; victims of
trafficking/begar; women/children; persons with disabilities; victims of mass
disasters/ethnic violence/caste atrocity/flood/drought/earthquake/industrial disaster;
industrial workmen; and persons in custody; plus income -based eligibility.

No; they are categorically
eligible regardless of income.

Yes; custody (including protective
homes, juvenile homes, psychiatr ic hospitals/nursing homes) is a categorical ground.

Yes; victims of listed
disasters are categorically eligible.