**Executive Summary**
The document discusses the Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) programme, launched in 2017, to promote pro bono legal services across India. As part of this program, advocates can register on the Nyaya Bandhu portal to volunteer their services. As of November 30th, 2025, 9776 pro bono advocates have registered.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Programme Overview:**
* Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) programme was launched in 2017.
* It aims to promote pro bono culture and facilitate dispensation of free legal services.
* It links eligible individuals under Section 12 of the LSA Act, 1987 with pro bono lawyers.
* It is integrated into the DISHA scheme for 2021-2026.
* **Advocate Registration:**
* A key objective is to register advocates on the Nyaya Bandhu Portal.
* As of November 30th, 2025, 9776 pro bono advocates have registered.
* **Pro Bono Promotion:**
* Pro Bono Club sub-scheme operationalized across 109 law schools.
* Panels of Nyaya Bandhu made functional at 23 High Courts.
* **National Legal Services Authority (NALSA):**
* NALSA established under the LSA Act, 1987 to provide free legal services to weaker sections.
* Legal Service Institutions are set up from Taluk Court to the Supreme Court level.
* NALSA and related institutions are not involved in cases where advocates render services independently.
**Impact Analysis**
**Pro Bono Advocates:**
* **Impact:** Provides a platform to offer services and connect with those needing free legal aid.
* **Action Required:** Register on the Nyaya Bandhu portal to participate in the program.
**Individuals Eligible for Free Legal Aid (under Section 12 of the LSA Act):**
* **Impact:** Provides access to legal services from pro bono lawyers.
* **Action Required:** Utilize the Nyaya Bandhu programme to connect with registered advocates.
**Law Schools and Students:**
* **Impact:** Encourages pro bono culture among young legal minds through the Pro Bono Club sub-scheme.
* **Action Required:** Participate in the Pro Bono Club sub-scheme to gain experience and promote pro bono services.
Key Entities Referenced
Legal Services Authorities (LSA) Act, 1987: Provides the legal framework for offering free legal aid, particularly under Section 12 which is referenced for eligibility.
Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services): A program launched in 2017 to advance the culture of pro bono legal services across the country.
National Legal Services Authority (NALSA): Established under the LSA Act, 1987 to provide free legal services to weaker sections of society.
Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice in India (DISHA): A citizen-centric scheme that Nyaya Bandhu has been integrated into.
Ministry of Law and Justice
System for Recording Pro Bono Legal Work
प्रव तथ: 04 DEC 2025 1:45PM by PIB Delhi
The Government launched Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) programme in the year 2017 with
the primary aim of advancing the culture of pro bono and creating a framework for dispensation of
offering pro bono legal services across the country. It links the persons eligible to avail free legal aid under
Section 12 of Legal Services Authorities (LSA) Act, 1987 with the pro bono lawyers. The programme was
integrated to a citizen- centric scheme named Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to
Justice in India (DISHA) for the period of 5 years (2021-2026). One of the key objectives under Nyaya
Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) programme is to register advocates who voluntarily offer their time
and services for case registration and assistance in the court. As on 30th November, 2025, 9776 Pro Bono
Advocates have registered on Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) Portal.
In order to bolster the culture of Pro Bono among young legal minds, Pro Bono Club sub scheme has been
operationalized across 109 law schools in the country. Moreover, to institutionalize the efforts, Panels of
Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) at 23 High Courts has been made functional.
In addition, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has been set up under the Legal Services
Authorities (LSA)Act, 1987 to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the
society including beneficiaries covered under Section 12 of the LSA Act. For this purpose, the legal
Services Institutions have been setup from the Taluk Court level to the Supreme Court. However, NALSA
and Legal Services Institutions under it, are not involvedin those cases where Pro bono services are
rendered by the advocates on their own.
This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and
Justice; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal in Rajya
Sabha today.
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Samrat
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