Justice Beyond Reach? Poor and Illiterate Citizens Continue to Face Barriers Despite India’s Free Legal Aid Framework
India’s constitutional promise of equal access to justice remains elusive for many citizens who are both poor and illiterate, with legal experts and rights advocates pointing to procedural hurdles that often prevent the most vulnerable from benefiting from free legal aid. While the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 guarantees legal assistance to eligible persons, navigating the system itself continues to be a significant challenge.
For millions living in rural and economically weaker sections, approaching a court is only the first obstacle. Complex legal procedures, language barriers, documentation requirements, repeated visits to legal aid offices, transportation costs, and the loss of daily wages often discourage individuals from pursuing their rights. Those who cannot read or write frequently depend on others even to understand court notices, legal forms, or official communications.
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), along with State, District and Taluk Legal Services Authorities, provides free legal representation, legal advice, court fee exemptions, document drafting and legal awareness programmes for eligible citizens. Official guidelines also state that illiterate applicants should receive assistance from legal services institutions and Para Legal Volunteers in completing applications, including by accepting thumb impressions where necessary.
Despite these safeguards, legal practitioners and civil society organisations argue that implementation on the ground remains inconsistent. In several regions, applicants reportedly struggle with delays, inadequate legal awareness, limited availability of trained personnel, and procedural formalities that are difficult for uneducated litigants to fulfil without assistance. These practical barriers often prevent intended beneficiaries from effectively accessing free legal aid.
The Union Government has maintained that access to justice remains a priority, highlighting the DISHA scheme, the nationwide legal aid network and large-scale legal awareness initiatives. According to the Ministry of Law and Justice, more than 16.6 lakh people received free legal aid and advice during FY 2025-26 (up to January 2026), while nearly 4.92 lakh legal awareness programmes reached over 40 crore participants across the country.
However, legal scholars contend that expanding awareness alone may not be sufficient. They argue that free legal aid must become genuinely accessible by reducing procedural formalities, strengthening village-level legal assistance, simplifying application processes, increasing accountability of legal aid institutions, and ensuring proactive outreach to illiterate and economically disadvantaged citizens.
The continuing debate underscores a wider concern within India’s justice delivery system: while free legal aid exists as a legal right, meaningful access to justice ultimately depends on whether the poorest and least educated citizens can practically obtain timely and effective legal assistance without being overwhelmed by bureaucratic obstacles.
