Legal help should be within reach.
Where people in custody and their families can turn for free legal assistance.
General legal information; individual cases need legal advice.
A person in custody can seek free legal aid.
Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 includes people in custody among those eligible for legal services. NALSA explains that someone facing a criminal trial in police or judicial custody is entitled to free legal aid irrespective of financial status. The Legal Services Authority assesses the application under the Act.
Ask the prison legal aid clinic or prison authorities about legal assistance. Contact the District Legal Services Authority at the relevant court. NALSA’s toll-free legal aid helpline is 15100.
If you are helping a relative, keep the case number or FIR details, court name, place of detention and available court orders ready. Ask the authority what it needs for the application. Avoid posting private case papers in public comments.

