A Study Of Legal Aid In Current Scenario
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Abstract
Legal aid plays a pivotal role in ensuring access to justice, particularly for economically disadvantaged individuals. In India, the right to free legal aid is enshrined in Article 39A of the Constitution and institutionalized through the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. However, despite these legislative frameworks, India's legal aid system faces numerous challenges. This paper examines the shortcomings of legal aid, drawing on statistical data, expert observations, and relevant case law, the study underscores the urgent need for reforms to enhance the effectiveness of legal aid services. The research aims to identify systemic barriers and propose recommendations for improving access to legal aid in India.
The primary objective of this research is to analyze the effectiveness of India's legal aid system and identify key shortcomings that hinder access to justice for marginalized communities. The study seeks to explore the gaps between the legal framework and its implementation.
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References
Constitutional Provisions:
• Constitution of India. (1950). Article 21.
• Constitution of India. (1950). Article 39A.
Case Laws:
• Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar, (1979) AIR 1369, SCR (3) 532.
• Suk Das v. Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh, (1986) AIR 991, SCC (2) 401.
• M.H. Hoskot v. State of Maharashtra, (1978) AIR 1548, SCC (3) 544.
• Khatri II v. State of Bihar, (1981) AIR 928, SCC (1) 627.
Legislation:
• Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, No. 39 of 1987, Acts of Parliament, India.
Reports:
• National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). (2019). Annual Report 2019. Retrieved from http://nalsa.gov.in.
• National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). (2020). Guidelines for Legal Aid Lawyers. Retrieved from http://nalsa.gov.in.
• Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI). (2016). Survey on Legal Aid Awareness in Rural India. Retrieved from https://humanrightsinitiative.org.
• Legal Services India Foundation. (2018). Report on Gender Bias in Legal Aid. Retrieved from http://legalservicesindia.com.
• National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG). (2022). Data on Pending Cases in Indian Courts. Retrieved from https://njdg.ecourts.gov.in.
Academic Sources and Observations:
• Bhagwati, P.N. (1979). Judgment in Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar.
• Iyer, V.R. Krishna. (1978). Human Rights and the Frontiers of Legal Aid. Journal of Legal and Social Welfare, 3(2), 47–63.
• Garg, R., & others. (2020). Challenges and solutions to free legal aid. iPleaders. https://blog.ipleaders.in/challenges-solutions-free-legal-aid/
• Gupta, K. L. (2018). Legal aid & awareness in India: Issues and challenges. Academia.edu. https://www.academia.edu/36325912/Legal_Aid_and_Awareness_in_India_Issues_and_Challenges?auto=download
• Legal aid and awareness in India: Issues and challenges. (n.d.). Legal Service India – Law, Lawyers and Legal Resources. https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-82-legal-aid-and-awareness-in-india-issues-and-challenges.html
• A brief history of legal aid. (n.d.). Legal Service India. https://www.legalserviceindia.com/articles/laid.htm