The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is planning several permanent Legal Aid Clinics (LACs) at the Taluk level. These LACs are to be manned by a trained lawyer deputed by the respective District Legal Service Authority, and shall be established near the Primary Health Centres.

U. Sarath Chandra, member-secretary of NALSA earlier informed Times of India (ToI) that Panchayats and Block Offices have been asked to give office space to the LACs. The LACs are to help solve petty disputes and assist in writing application forms for the illiterate.

The NALSA was constituted in December 1995 under the aegis of Dr. Justice A.S. Anand of the Supreme Court of India as the Executive Chairman. Traditionally, the senior most judge of the Supreme Court after the Chief Justice assumes the chairmanship of NALSA. Currently this post is held by Justice Altamas Kabir. 

Chandra revealed that he intends to capitalize on rural India’s inhibition in dealing with government officials. He went on to add that the free legal advice would be available to all irrespective of their financial status, unlike in the urban areas, where financial status is a consideration for free legal aid. 

However, significant problems continue to exist. “Finances have been a real difficulty in making LACs operational on a daily basis,” Chandra told ToI. As of now, the deputed lawyer would have to go to the LAC once a week, and gradually the frequency is to be increased. 

Financial issues apart, the real problem will arise in ensuring the competence of the lawyers who are to staff the LACs. It is upon the NALSA and the District Legal Services Authorities to guarantee quality and ensure that lawyers do not treat the LACs as mere default employment opportunities. 

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