Legal Aid Defence Counsel Scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 8 November inaugurated the National Conference on “Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms” at the Supreme Court of India, urging collective efforts to make justice accessible, timely, and understandable for all citizens.

• PM Modi highlighted that nearly eight lakh criminal cases have been settled under the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System in the past three years, ensuring justice for the poor and marginalized.

Legal Aid Defence Counsel System (LADCS)

Introduced by: National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) under the Legal Aid Defence Counsel Scheme, 2022.

• Based on the Public Defender System (used in countries like the U.S.).
• Involves full-time engagement of lawyers dedicated exclusively to criminal legal aid work at district headquarters.

Functions:

• Provides legal representation from pre-arrest to appellate stages.
• Includes jail visits to assist unrepresented inmates.
• Offers free legal advice and assistance to all individuals visiting the office.
• Provides pre-arrest legal assistance as per NALSA guidelines.

Scale & Performance:

• Operational in: 668 districts.
• Timeframe: 2023–26.
• Outlay: ₹998.43 crore.
• Cases assigned: 11.46 lakh.
• Cases disposed: 7.86 lakh.

Impact:

• Ensured justice for poor and marginalized groups.
• Nearly 8 lakh criminal cases settled in the last 3 years under the system.

National Legal Services Day – November 9

Significance:

• Marks the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, which came into effect on 9 November 1995.
• Highlights India’s commitment to “Access to Justice for All”, especially for the underprivileged.

Achievements (2022–2025):

• Over 44.22 lakh citizens received free legal aid and advice through Legal Services Authorities.