Over 5 million beneficiaries have been provided with legal aid services through the Tele-Law program, expanding access nationwide to over 250,000 Common Service Centres (CSCs), according to the Law and Justice Ministry. The Tele-Law program, which was launched on April 20, 2017, aims to strengthen the pre-litigation mechanism in the country by connecting individuals with Panel Lawyers for legal advice and consultation. The program utilizes the vast network of CSCs at the Panchayat level to reach disadvantaged and marginalized groups. Recently, the Tele-Law 2.0 initiative was launched, merging Tele-Law Services with the Nyaya Bandhu pro bono legal services, further enhancing citizen accessibility to legal aid.
During the event, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal recognized the functionaries providing legal advice services and legal representation under the Nyaya Bandhu program. The frontline functionaries, who play a crucial role in delivering legal services at the grassroots level, were also felicitated. The Ministry stated that these initiatives are part of the government’s efforts to promote legal aid and empower citizens. In 2017, Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu, and Nyaya Mitra programs were launched to provide pro bono legal services and reduce the pendency of old cases.
The Tele-Law program has achieved a significant milestone by delivering 5 million legal consultations, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring justice reaches every corner of the nation. This ground-breaking program, operating under the DISHA (Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice in India) Scheme, aims to address the grievances of individuals through video conferencing and telephone consultations with Panel Lawyers.
With the launch of Tele-Law 2.0, the program has merged with the Nyaya Bandhu initiative to streamline legal aid services. This merger will facilitate easier access to legal aid for citizens in need. The Law and Justice Ministry emphasized the importance of the initiative in providing timely and valuable legal advice to the disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. By leveraging the extensive network of CSCs, the Tele-Law program ensures that legal aid is accessible to all, even in remote areas.
The expansion of the Tele-Law program and the merger with Nyaya Bandhu will further enhance the reach and impact of legal aid services in India. It is a significant step towards ensuring justice and legal representation for every individual in the country. With the integration of technology and legal services, the Tele-Law program serves as a model for other nations looking to strengthen their pre-litigation mechanisms and make legal aid more accessible. The success of this initiative is a testament to the tireless efforts of the frontline functionaries and their commitment to providing legal services at the grassroots level.
