Get a free lawyer (legal aid)

General information, not legal advice. This guide explains the usual steps in plain words. Every case has its own facts, and the law and the rules change. For a serious matter, speak to a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, you may get one free: call 15100. Last checked November 2026.

If you are a woman, a child, in custody, SC or ST, disabled or on a low income, the State pays for your lawyer.

What to do, step by step

1. Check whether you are covered. Under section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, free legal services are available to: women; children; members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes; persons with disabilities; persons in custody; industrial workmen; victims of trafficking or forced labour; victims of mass disaster or ethnic violence; and persons whose annual income is below the limit set by the state (commonly Rs 3 lakh).
2. Call the national helpline 15100, or walk into the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in the district court complex. Each High Court and the Supreme Court also have a legal services committee.
3. You can also apply online on the NALSA website, or through Tele-Law at a Common Service Centre, where a lawyer speaks to you by video or phone.
4. A panel lawyer is assigned. Ask the DLSA to change the lawyer if you are not getting proper help.
5. For disputes that can be settled, Lok Adalats give a free and final settlement that cannot be appealed.

Where to go

• NALSA helpline 15100
• District Legal Services Authority, at the district court
• NALSA website
• Tele-Law at Common Service Centres

What to carry

• Photo ID
• Income certificate or proof that you belong to a covered group
• Papers about your case

Time limits

• Apply as early as you can. In custody cases, ask the Magistrate to assign a lawyer at the first hearing.

What the law says

• Legal Services Authorities Act 1987, sections 12 and 13
• Article 39A of the Constitution: equal justice and free legal aid

If it does not work

• Write to the Secretary of the DLSA, or the State Legal Services Authority, if help is refused or the lawyer is not responding.

Free help

• This page is the help. Phone 15100.

Sources

• National Legal Services Authority
• Legal Services Authorities Act 1987

Section numbers are from the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other Acts, with the old number in square brackets. For events before 1 July 2024 the old law (CrPC, IPC) applies. Spotted a mistake? Corrections are welcome.