Access to legal advice and support is crucial for ensuring justice and equality, especially for marginalized and disadvantaged communities. The Tele-Law service, an initiative by the Ministry of Law and Justice, leverages technology to connect those in need with qualified legal professionals. This article explores the Tele-Law service, its benefits, and how it operates through Common Service Centres (CSCs) at the Gram Panchayat (GP) level.
Tele-Law is a legal service that uses video conferencing and telephone facilities to connect lawyers with litigants seeking legal advice. The primary aim of this service is to extend legal support to those who otherwise might not have easy access to legal resources. By utilizing technology, Tele-Law bridges the gap between legal professionals and individuals in need, particularly those from marginalized and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Tele-Law service offers numerous advantages, making legal advice accessible and affordable:
Accessibility: The service ensures that legal advice is within reach for everyone, regardless of their location. This is especially beneficial for individuals in rural or remote areas who may not have easy access to legal professionals.
Cost-Effective: For those eligible for free legal aid under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities (LSA) Act, 1987, the service is free. For others, a nominal fee of Rs. 30 is charged per consultation, making it an affordable option for legal advice.
Convenience: Tele-Law eliminates the need for physical travel to seek legal advice, saving time and resources for litigants.
Tele-Law service is designed to be inclusive, providing legal advice to a wide range of individuals, especially those eligible for free legal aid under Section 12 of the LSA Act, 1987. This includes:
Common Service Centres (CSCs) are local kiosks that offer various government services online, including public utility services, social welfare schemes, healthcare, financial, educational, and agricultural services. Operated under the Digital India Programme by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), CSCs are strategically located at the Gram Panchayat level to ensure widespread accessibility.
Tele-Law service covers a broad spectrum of legal issues, including but not limited to:
All personal and case details shared during the Tele-Law consultations are kept strictly confidential, ensuring the privacy and security of the litigants.
Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE): VLEs run the CSCs and provide Tele-Law services. Litigants can approach VLEs directly to inquire about and utilize the service.
Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs): PLVs, deployed by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) or CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd, facilitate the Tele-Law service. While not lawyers, PLVs possess a basic understanding of legal processes and laws.
Panel Lawyers: Practicing advocates selected by the Department of Justice and CSC e-Governance Services provide legal advice through the Tele-Law service. They schedule their availability on the Tele-Law portal and offer consultations accordingly.
Appointments with Panel Lawyers can be arranged through the assistance of PLVs or VLEs at the CSCs. Litigants are advised to carry relevant documents during registration, and appointments are typically scheduled for the next day. Additionally, an instant video conferencing facility allows for same-day consultations based on the availability of the lawyers.
The Tele-Law mobile application is designed to streamline the pre-registration of cases and allow beneficiaries to select their preferred date and time for consultations. The application can be used by PLVs to register cases even without internet connectivity, ensuring seamless service delivery.
As of June 26, 2022, Tele-Law has registered over 21.32 lakh cases, benefiting more than 20.14 lakh individuals with legal advice. This highlights the significant impact of the service in promoting legal awareness and justice among marginalized communities.
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