The first All India District Legal Services Authority meeting

Tags: National News

The first All India District Legal Services Authority meeting was held on 30 July and 31 July at Vigyan Bhawan. Its inaugural session was addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Important facts

• Chief Justice N.V. Raman and other Supreme Court judges also participated.

• A postage stamp on 'Right to Free Legal Aid' was also released on the occasion.

• It was organised by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).

• The meeting was based on the creation of an integrated process aimed at bringing about uniformity and coordination among the District Legal Services Authorities.

• In India, there are 676 District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs). District judges act as the chairpersons of DLSAs.

• NALSA implements several legal aid and awareness programs through DLSAs and State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs).

• DLSAs also help in reducing the burden on the courts by regulating the Lok Adalats conducted by NALSA.

About National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) 

• NALSA was established on 9th November, 1995 as per the authority of Legal Services Authorization Act 1987.

• It was established with the objective of conducting Lok Adalats to provide free legal services to deserving candidates as well as for timely resolution of cases.

• The Chief Justice of India acts as the principal guardian of NALSA.

• On the other hand, the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court of India acts as the acting-chairman.

• Its main objective is to reduce the burden of the judiciary through speedy disposal of cases.