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This scheme by the Uttarakhand State Legal Services Authority provides free legal help to eligible residents who Read More... need to file, defend, or have already filed a legal case. Read less

Details

Life can throw legal challenges at anyone, and sometimes, the cost of a lawyer can be a big hurdle. Recognizing this, the Uttarakhand government, through its State Legal Services Authority, offers a vital service: free legal aid. This scheme ensures that no eligible resident in Uttarakhand is left without legal support, whether they are initiating a case, defending themselves, or are already involved in legal proceedings.

What Is This Scheme About?

Under the Legal Services Authority Act of 1987, this initiative is designed to provide a helping hand with legal matters. It means that if you qualify, you can get professional legal assistance without bearing the financial burden. This covers a wide range of legal situations, ensuring that justice remains accessible to all.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The scheme is primarily for residents of Uttarakhand. It aims to support individuals who might otherwise struggle to afford legal representation. This includes various groups, from marginalized communities to those facing financial hardship, ensuring a broad reach of support.

Why This Scheme Is Important

Access to justice is a fundamental right. This scheme plays a crucial role in upholding that right by removing financial barriers. By offering free legal aid, it empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the legal system and ensures fair treatment for all sections of society in Uttarakhand.

Objective

This scheme by the Uttarakhand State Legal Services Authority provides free legal help to eligible residents who need to file, defend, or have already filed a legal case.

Benefits

Financial assistance of up to ₹1,00,000/- as a government subsidy.

Maximum loan amount of ₹5,00,000/-.

The interest rate on the loan amount (excluding subsidy) is 6%.

Conditions/Criteria Associated with Benefits:A 20% subsidy (maximum ₹1,00,000/-) is provided on the loan amount.

For a loan amount of ₹1,00,000/-, the subsidy is ₹20,000/-.

For a loan amount of ₹2,00,000/-, the subsidy is ₹40,000/-.

For a loan amount of ₹3,00,000/-, the subsidy is ₹60,000/-.

For a loan amount of ₹4,00,000/-, the subsidy is ₹80,000.

For a loan amount of ₹5,00,000/-, the subsidy is ₹1,00,000/-.

*At each stage of disbursement, photos and bills must be submitted.*Direct inspection will be conducted at each stage of disbursement.*An additional interest of 6% will be charged for misuse of funds.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this scheme, you must:

Be a resident of Uttarakhand.

Additionally, the following individuals are automatically eligible for free legal aid, regardless of their income:

All citizens belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
Individuals who are victims of human trafficking, abuse, or forced labour, as per Article 23 of the Constitution of India.
All women and children.
All persons with disabilities and those with mental illness.
People affected by natural calamities or disasters (e.g., floods, earthquakes, industrial disasters, caste violence, caste atrocities).
All workers employed in the industrial sector.
Anyone detained in jail, prison, protection homes, juvenile homes, psychiatric hospitals, or nursing homes.
Ex-servicemen.
Members of the transgender community.
Senior citizens.
Persons infected with HIV/AIDS.

Furthermore, any other resident whose annual income from all sources is less than ₹3,00,000/- is also eligible.

Note: There is no income bar for the first 11 categories listed above.

How To Apply

To avail free legal aid, you can approach the relevant legal services authority in your area:

District Level: Visit the front office of your District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). You can get legal aid in person or by submitting an application form.
Tehsil Level: For assistance at the Tehsil level, approach the Taluk Legal Services Committee.
E-Seva Kendra: This center is located at Gate No. 7 of the Hon’ble Uttarakhand High Court, Nainital.

Documents Required

Aadhaar Card
Mobile number
Caste certificate (if you belong to SC/ST category)
Disability certificate (issued by the State Government or District Administration, if applicable)
BPL certificate or Income certificate (for those whose annual income is ₹3,00,000 or less)

FAQ’s

Can I get legal help for both civil and criminal cases?

Yes, absolutely. This scheme covers both civil and criminal legal matters, whether you are filing the case or need to defend yourself.

Where can I find the list of lawyers who offer free legal aid?

You can find the list of Legal Volunteers, including their names and contact numbers, on the official website at https://uttarakhand.nalsa.gov.in.

Who is considered eligible for free legal aid under this scheme?

Eligibility extends to residents of Uttarakhand who are SC/ST, women, children, persons with disabilities, ex-servicemen, senior citizens, victims of natural disasters, industrial workers, people in detention or institutional care, transgender individuals, HIV/AIDS patients, and anyone with an annual income below ₹3,00,000. Importantly, there is no income limit for the first 11 groups mentioned.

What is the purpose of the Taluk Legal Services Committee?

The Taluk Legal Services Committee is there to provide free legal aid and advice to eligible individuals right at the Tehsil level.

How can I get free legal aid if I live in a district outside Nainital?

Each District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) has a front office. You can visit this office in person or submit your application there to receive legal aid.

Does this scheme cover cases I've already filed?

Yes, the scheme is designed to help you whether you are planning to file a case, have already filed one, or need to defend yourself in an ongoing case.

Where is the E-Seva Kendra located in Uttarakhand?

The E-Seva Kendra is conveniently located at Gate No. 7 of the Hon’ble Uttarakhand High Court in Nainital.

What documents do I need to apply for free legal aid?

You will generally need your Aadhaar Card, mobile number, a caste certificate if you are SC/ST, a disability certificate (if applicable), and an income or BPL certificate if your annual income is ₹3,00,000 or less.