This article critically analyses the concept of free legal aid in India and rationale behind the concept. The analysis covers the constitutional status provided to the concept along with the available statutory framework for effective implementation and governance of legal aid schemes and initiatives formulated by the state. The analysis made in this article substantially focuses on the authorities and their functions who are responsible for ensuring compliance with the constitutional and statutory obligations. Judicial interpretations are included in this article to substantiate the analysis. Legal awareness programmes conducted by the respective authorities and their impact on the legal assistance system of India is also discussed. The article also touches areas like procedure for applying to legal aid, Lok adalat, and the challenges faced in the implementation process. The key goal of this article is to effectively analyse in detail the above discussed aspects of free legal aid in India.
