National Legal Services Day [9th November]

National Legal Services Day is observed annually on 9th November in India to commemorate the adoption of the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987. This Act officially came into force on 9th November 1995. Since then, Legal Services Day has been celebrated throughout the Indian states to spread legal awareness among citizens.

Following the establishment of National Legal Services Day, National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was launched at the National level. Know more about the theme, history, and significance of Legal Services Day 2022 here.

Legal Services Day 2023

National Legal Services Day was established to raise legal awareness among the citizens. This day is about helping the citizens of India realize that no matter what background they are from or what their identity is, they can receive free legal aid. Legal Services Day is celebrated on a national level on 9th November every year.

People from marginalized communities, women, and minorities are often found to have little to no legal knowledge. On National Legal Services Day, such people are educated about their rights and the free legal services that they can avail of. Here is a brief overview of this day:

National Legal Services Day 2022 Theme

On Legal Services Day, people share their legal knowledge with each other. Although this day is celebrated widely across the country, no official theme is shared for the yearly celebrations. The general theme of the day is to offer free legal services to those who are incapable of affording them.

With the establishment of National Legal Services Day, people get access to free legal services, legal guidance, and more. With the services of settlement and mediation, the aim is also to reduce the backlog of pending cases in Indian courts.

What is the Legal Services Authorities Act?

The Legal Services Authorities Act was enacted by the Supreme Court of India on 9th November 1995 to offer pro bono legal services to people. According to this Act, people from the weaker sections of society can receive free legal aid and guidance at the national, state, and district levels.

To commemorate this Act, National Legal Services Day is celebrated each year on 9th November, the same day on which the Act was officiated. Here is some more information about it.

Legal Services Authorities Act Eligibility

Only people from the weaker sections of society who have little to no access to legal services due to lack of money or other circumstances are eligible for receiving free legal aid. This criterion involves the following people:

• People from marginalized groups.
• Women.
• People from minority groups.
• People with lower monthly income than stated by the government.

Legal Services Day History

In 1995, the Supreme Court of India passed the Legal Services Authorities Act with the aim of offering legal relief to weaker sections of society. This Act was passed on 9th November 1995, and since then, this day has been celebrated as National Legal Services Day. On this day, people widely circulate information about legal services so that those who need such services become aware.

Another important reason behind instituting Legal Services Day was to provide Alternative Dispute Resolution methods to people. After the Act was established, the country’s National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was formed on 5th December 1995.

National Legal Services Day Objectives

• Spreading awareness about legal matters to the general public.
• Providing free legal aid to weaker sections of society.
• Ensuring that crime victims receive their compensation.
• Offering Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) such as conciliation, arbitration, and judicial settlement.
• Organizing Lok Adalats.

National Legal Services Day Significance

People from the weaker sections of society, including marginalized communities, women, and minorities, lack access to legal services in India. To provide them relief, the Supreme Court of India passed the Legal Services Authorities Act. Here is why it is so significant:

• It promises legal protection and provisions for people from the weaker sections of society.
• It helps with the settlement of disputes.
• The day that the Act was passed is celebrated as Legal Services Day to spread legal awareness among citizens.

Legal Services Day Celebration

National Legal Services Day is celebrated all over the country on 9th November. On this day, the following celebrations take place:

• Organizing Lok Adalats.
• Spreading awareness about legal processes.
• Hosting legal awareness programs.
• Organizing legal aid camps to directly reach out to those in need.

FAQs on National Legal Services Day

Q1. When is National Legal Services Day celebrated?

National Legal Services Day is celebrated on 9th November every year in India. This day is observed to commemorate the passing of the Legal Services Authorities Act on 9th November 1995. On Legal Services Day, people are made aware of their legal rights and responsibilities.

Q2. What are the objectives of National Legal Services Day?

The objectives of National Legal Services Day include spreading legal awareness, organizing Lok Adalats, hosting legal aid camps, etc. All this is done to celebrate Legal Services Day and to make people more aware of their legal rights.

Q3. When was National Legal Services Day established?

Legal Services Day was established by the Supreme Court of India on 9th November 1995. It also resulted in the formation of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) on 5th December 1995. National Legal Services Day is an annual observance in India.

Q4. What is the National Legal Services Day 2022 theme?

The theme of National Legal Services Day is to promote the message of the Legal Services Authorities Act and to spread awareness about legal procedures and aid. National Legal Services Day is celebrated every year on 9th November.

Q5. Who are eligible for free legal services in India?

Typically, people from the weaker sections of society are eligible for free legal aid in India under the Legal Services Authorities Act. These may include women, people from minority groups, and marginalized communities. National Legal Services Day is celebrated every year on 9th November to spread awareness about this.