Free legal aid is a constitutional mandate under Article 39A, which ensures that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities.
Statutory Framework: The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 provides the machinery for this.
Eligibility (Section 12): Free legal aid is available to:
Members of SC/ST.
Victims of trafficking or beggars.
Women and children.
Persons with disabilities.
Persons in custody.
Economic Criteria: Persons whose annual income is below the limit prescribed by the State Government (e.g., in many states, this is ₹3,00,000 for the High Court).
Nature of Aid: It includes providing a lawyer to conduct the case, payment of court fees, and expenses for witnesses or preparation of documents.
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