UPSC Prelims 2013 Q71: Indian Polity – Judiciary
With reference to National Legal Services Authority, consider the following statements:
1. Its objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the
society on the basis of equal opportunity.
2. It issues guidelines for the State Legal Services Authorities to implement the legal programmes
and schemes throughout the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)
Set up under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, which came into force in 1995.
It gives effect to Article 39A (equal justice and free legal aid).
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Its objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections on the basis of equal opportunity | Correct | Its core purpose |
| 2. It issues guidelines for the State Legal Services Authorities to implement legal programmes and schemes throughout the country | Correct | It lays down policies and principles for the States |
Structure:
| Level | Body | Head |
|---|---|---|
| National | NALSA | Chief Justice of India as Patron-in-Chief |
| State | State Legal Services Authority | Chief Justice of the High Court as Patron-in-Chief |
| District | District Legal Services Authority | District Judge |
Who gets free legal aid: women, children, SCs and STs, persons with disabilities, victims of disasters, persons in custody, and the poor.
NALSA also organises Lok Adalats.
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also true: it issues guidelines for the State authorities.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also true: it provides free legal services to weaker sections.
- (c) CORRECT. NALSA gives free legal services and guides the State authorities.
- (d) Incorrect. Both statements are true.
Key point
NALSA (Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987; Article 39A): free legal aid to weaker sections; Lok Adalats; Chief Justice of India is Patron-in-Chief.
Remember
NALSA = free legal aid, Article 39A.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the constitutional basis: Article 39A.
- Thinking NALSA works only at the national level.
- Not linking Lok Adalats to this Act.
Exam tip
Article 39A + 1987 Act + Lok Adalats = NALSA.
Sources
- Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
- National Legal Services Authority — About NALSA