At a recent press conference, law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that offering legal assistance to needy people over telephone and video conference by lawyers and para-legal volunteers has given “voice of justice to the voiceless”.

Tele law scheme was an initiative by the department of justice along with National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and CSC e-governance service India Limited which aims to  digitally connect the marginalized people with a panel of lawyers to sek legal advice and consultation through the common service centres. In the initial phase it was programmed at 1800  CSCs in 11 states and now it is currently operational in 29860 CSCs across the country. 

Common Service Centres are an integral part of the government Digital India Programme offer access to e-services, delivering essential government and public utility services, social welfare schemes, financial inclusion services, health care and agriculture services, apart from a host of B2C services through digital connectivity. The Common Service Centers are in the Gram Panchayats region. Tele Law service allows any person to seek legal advice without wasting valuable time and money. The program is free for those who are entitled to free legal assistance as specified in Section 12 of the Legal Services Authority Act 1987. A nominal fee of Rs 30  is charged for all others. 

How  does  it work?

Village level entrepreneurs (VLE) will provide space for Para legal Volunteers (PLV) to sit at CSC. They will prepare a list of people seeking advice and upload the details of the aggrieved to the CSC portal. Generate an online appointment to connect you to a Panel Lawyer via a Video Conferencing Facility / Chat and/or telephone available in your Common Service Center. PLV deployed at CSC preferably a woman will facilitate the tele-consultation with the lawyer and keep a track on the grievances and submit weekly reports to District Legal Services Authority(DLSA). During the time of registration, the para legal volunteers or Village Level Entrepreneur will suggest that you bring some essential documents. After you register your case with the CSC at the Tele-Law Service, an appointment with a Panel Lawyer is fixed for the next day.

This scheme is an initiative that has aimed for gender justice by promoting greater participation of women as PLV . The program trained 500 VLEs on social justice laws such as fundamental rights, the right to information, the rights of citizens to police, gender laws, children’s rights and labour laws.