Free Legal Aid under the Legal Services Authority Act 1987

Description
The scheme “Free Legal Aid under the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987” has been implemented by the Uttarakhand State Legal Services Authority, Nainital, under the Department of Law, Government of Uttarakhand. The scheme aims to provide free legal aid to all eligible persons in Uttarakhand who intend to file a case, have already filed a case, or need to defend a case under the provisions of the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987.

Exclusions
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Benefits
• Under this scheme, eligible persons who intend to file a case, have already filed a case, or need to defend a case shall be entitled to receive free legal services from the State Authority, the High Court Legal Services Committee, the District Legal Services Authority, or the Taluk Legal Services Committee, as the case may be under the Act.
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Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant must be a resident of Uttarakhand state.
2. The following persons shall be eligible for free legal aid:
3. - All citizens belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
4. - Persons subjected to human trafficking, abuse, or forced labour, as defined under Article 23 of the Constitution of India.
5. - All women and children.
6. - All persons with disabilities and persons with mental illness.
7. - Persons affected by natural calamities or disasters, including mass destruction, caste violence, caste atrocities, floods, earthquakes, industrial disasters, etc.
8. - All workers employed in the industrial sector.
9. - All persons detained in jail, prison, protection homes, juvenile homes, psychiatric hospitals, or nursing homes.
10. - Ex-servicemen.
11. - Persons belonging to the transgender community.
12. - Senior citizens.
13. - Persons infected with HIV/AIDS.
14. - All other persons whose annual income from all sources is less than ₹3,00,000/-.
15. > _Note: There is no income limit for persons mentioned in serial numbers 1 to 11._
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Required Documents
• Aadhaar Card
• Mobile number
• Caste certificate if belonging to SC/ST
• Disability certificate issued by the State Government or District Administration for persons with disabilities or mental illness
• BPL certificate/Income certificate for those whose annual income from all sources is ₹3,00,000 /-or less.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible for free legal aid under this scheme?
A: Eligible persons include SC/ST citizens, women, children, persons with disabilities, ex-servicemen, senior citizens, persons affected by natural calamities, workers in the industrial sector, persons in jail or institutional care, HIV/AIDS-infected persons, and persons whose annual income is less than ₹3,00,000.
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Q: What types of cases are covered under this scheme?
A: The scheme covers civil, criminal, and other legal cases where the eligible person is filing, has filed, or needs to defend a case.
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Q: Where can one avail free legal aid in Uttarakhand?
A: Free legal aid can be availed from the State Authority, High Court Legal Services Committee, District Legal Services Authority, or Taluk Legal Services Committee, depending on the case.
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Q: Where is the E-Seva Kendra located?
A: The E-Seva Kendra is located at Gate No. 7 of the Hon’ble Uttarakhand High Court, Nainital.
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Q: How can one find the list of Legal Volunteers?
A: The list of Legal Volunteers, including names and mobile numbers, is available on [https://slsa.uk.gov.in](https://uttarakhand.nalsa.gov.in/).
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Q: How can one avail free legal aid at the district level?
A: Each District Legal Services Authority has a front office where legal aid can be obtained in person or by submitting an application form.
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Q: What is the role of the Taluk Legal Services Committee?
A: It provides free legal aid and advice at the Tehsil level to eligible persons.
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Q: Can one avail legal aid for both civil and criminal matters?
A: Yes, the scheme covers both civil and criminal legal cases.
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