National Legal Service Day National Legal Service Day is celebrated
National Legal Service Day
National Legal Service Day is celebrated today i.e. on 9th of November every year across India. The Day is commemorated as for enactment of the Indian Legal Service Authorities Act 1987. The major aim of this day is to spread legal awareness among the people. It also aims for providing a means for free legal aid and advice to the poor and weaker sections of the society, to ensure justice for all.
History of National Legal Service Day
The National Legal Service Day was first observed in the year 1995. It was started by the Supreme Court of India 25 year back. On this day in 1995 the National Legal Service Authorities Act 1987 came in to effect. Since then the National Legal Service Day is observed on 9th of November every year.
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 to provide free Legal Services to the weaker sections of the society. They were to organize Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes. The Chief Justice of India serves as the Patron-in-Chief NALSA. The second senior most Judge of Supreme Court of India serves as the Executive Chairman of the Authority. Legal Service Day is celebrated to make people aware of the various provisions under the Legal Services Authorities Act and the right of the litigants.
Legal Services Institutions for providing Free Legal Services
National Level: National Legal Services Authority.The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The Chief Justice of India is the Patron-in-Chief.
State Level: State Legal Services Authority. It is headed by the Chief Justice of the State High Court who is its Patron-in-Chief.
District Level: District Legal Services Authority. The District Judge of the District is its ex-officio Chairman.
Taluka/Sub-Division Level: Taluka/ Sub-Divisional Legal Services Committee. It is headed by a senior Civil Judge.
High Court: High Court Legal Services Committee
Supreme Court: Supreme Court Legal Services Committee
The Significance of the National Legal Service Day
Almost everyone thinks that legal proceedings are time-consuming and messy so people try not to get embroiled in the legalities. This day aims at changing this belief and making people aware that getting justice is an important quality of a citizen that needs to be procured in a society. Therefore, legal services and the facility to use them are of greater importance as the law seeks everyone with a fair eye and promotes justice to all.