Kanoon SamjhoIndian law, made simple
Court Process

I can't afford a lawyer. How do I get free legal aid?

Simple answer

Yes, if you are eligible. All women and children, SC/ST members, persons with disabilities, people in custody, industrial workers, disaster victims and low-income people can get a free lawyer. Apply at your District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) or call 15100.

Real-life examples

Lakshmi, a domestic worker in Madurai, wants to claim maintenance from her husband but has no money for a lawyer. Because she is a woman, she qualifies whatever her income. The DLSA assigns her a panel lawyer free of cost.

Arjun is in jail as an undertrial in a theft case and his family cannot pay a lawyer. As a person in custody, he is eligible. He tells the Magistrate and the jail legal aid clinic, and a legal aid lawyer is appointed for his bail and trial.

Rohan runs a profitable shop and earns well above his state's income limit. He is not in any other listed group, so he does not qualify for a free lawyer and must hire one himself.

What should you do?

  1. 1Visit the DLSA office in your district court complex, or the Taluk Legal Services Committee at your taluk court.
  2. 2Fill the simple application form. Carry ID, any case papers, and an income affidavit if you are applying on income.
  3. 3Can't visit? Call 15100 or apply online on the NALSA website.
  4. 4If you are in jail, ask the jail legal aid clinic, or tell the judge on your next date that you need a lawyer.
  5. 5Keep in touch with your legal aid lawyer. If you face problems, complain in writing to the DLSA Secretary.

Exceptions & limits

  • The Authority can refuse legal aid if it finds you have no real case to file or defend (no 'prima facie' case).
  • If you are not in any listed group, you qualify only on income, and the income limit is different in each state.

Official legal reference

  • Constitution of India — Article 39A

    The State must promote equal justice and provide free legal aid so that no one is denied justice due to poverty or other disability.

    Read the official text

  • Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 — Section 12

    Who can get free legal services: SC/ST, trafficking or forced labour victims, women, children, disabled persons, disaster victims, industrial workers, people in custody, low-income people.

    Read the official text

  • Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 — Section 13

    Eligible people get legal aid if they have a prima facie case; their own income affidavit is usually enough proof of income.

    Read the official text

  • Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 — Section 341

    In a trial or appeal, the court must give an accused a lawyer at State cost if they have none and cannot afford one.

    Earlier: CrPC Section 304Read the official text

  • Hussainara Khatoon v. Home Secretary, State of Bihar (1979)

    Supreme Court: free legal aid for a poor accused is part of a fair procedure under Article 21.

Where to get help

NALSA Free Legal Aid

Free lawyer and legal advice for eligible people through Legal Services Authorities.

Call 15100nalsa.gov.in

Source & status

Applies to
Varies by state
Each state sets its own income limit for free legal aid; for Supreme Court cases it is ₹5 lakh a year. Some states also cover extra groups. Ask your DLSA for the current limit.
Law in force since
9 Nov 1995
Legal review
Draft — awaiting lawyer review

Educational information, not legal advice for your case. Exact facts and the law that applies matter — speak to a lawyer before acting.

Related questions