Assam State Legal Services Authority (ASLSA)

The Assam State Legal Services Authority (ASLSA) is the nodal body responsible for implementing the provisions of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, in Assam. It operates under the guidance of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to provide free and competent legal services and promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms like Lok Adalats.

Its mission is to empower marginalized and excluded groups by providing effective legal representation, promoting legal literacy, and bridging the gap between available legal benefits and entitled beneficiaries.

Who is Eligible for Free Legal Services in Assam?

As per Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and the Assam State Legal Services Authorities Regulation, 1998, the following persons are generally entitled to free legal services in Assam:

• Women and Children: Irrespective of their income.
• Members of Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST): With supporting certificate/proof.
• Victims of Human Trafficking or Beggars.
• Persons with Disabilities: Including mentally ill or otherwise disabled persons.
• Victims of Mass Disaster, Ethnic Violence, Caste Atrocity, Flood, Drought, Earthquake, or Industrial Disaster.
• Industrial Workmen.
• Persons in Custody: Including those in protective homes, juvenile homes, or psychiatric hospitals/nursing homes.
• Persons whose Annual Income (from all sources) does not exceed ₹3,00,000/- (Rupees Three Lakhs only). This is the income ceiling limit prescribed for cases before courts other than the Supreme Court. For cases before the Supreme Court, the limit is ₹5,00,000/-.

An affidavit made by the person regarding their income is generally considered sufficient, unless there are reasons for the authority to question it.

Modes of Legal Aid Services Provided

Legal aid in Assam can be provided in the following modes:

• Representation by a Legal Practitioner: Providing a lawyer to represent the applicant in any legal proceeding (civil, criminal, or quasi-judicial matters) at any stage.
• Payment of Fees and Expenses: Covering court fees, process fees, expenses of witnesses, and all other charges payable or incurred in connection with any legal proceedings.
• Preparation of Legal Documents: Including drafting of legal documents, appeals, typing, and translation of documents in legal proceedings.
• Legal Advice and Counselling: Providing guidance and counsel on legal matters.
• Mediation and Conciliation: Facilitating amicable settlement of disputes outside court.

The benefit of free legal aid can be availed at any stage of the case/matter, provided the applicant remains eligible.

How to Apply for Free Legal Aid in Assam?

Applicants can apply for free legal aid through both **online** and **offline** modes:

1. Offline Application:

• **Where to Approach:**
  • Taluk Legal Services Committee (TLSC): Located in the premises of the Court in that Taluk (Sub-division).
  • District Legal Services Authority (DLSA): Located in the premises of the District Court in the District Headquarters.
  • Assam State Legal Services Authority (ASLSA): For cases pertaining to the High Court or matters of state-wide significance.
  • Gauhati High Court Legal Services Committee (GHCLSC): For cases specifically related to the Gauhati High Court.
• Application Form: The application needs to be written in FORM-B as provided in the Assam State Legal Services Authorities Regulation, 1998, or on a simple piece of paper.
• Required Details/Documents:
  • Applicant's Name, Gender, Residential Address, Employment Status, Nationality.
  • Whether SC/ST (with certificate/proof).
  • Income per month/annum (with affidavit).
  • Summary of the legal problem for which aid is sought.
  • Any relevant case details (e.g., case number, court type, opposite party details).
  • Proof of identification (e.g., Aadhar Card, Passport).
• **Submission:** Submit the filled application at the Front Office of the concerned Legal Services Authority during office hours.

2. Online Application:

• NALSA Portal: Visit the online portal of NALSA (https://nalsa.gov.in/) and navigate to the "Apply Legal Aid" section.
• Online Form: A ready-made application form is available. Fill it up online with the necessary details and submit as per the instructions on the webpage.
• Email: An application can also be made by sending an email with all necessary details (as mentioned above) to the appropriate authority or to NALSA (nalsa-dla@nic.in).

Procedure After Application:

• The concerned legal services authority scrutinizes the application to determine eligibility.
• A decision on the application for free legal aid is to be taken as early as possible, preferably within **one week (7 days)** from the date of receipt.
• If the application is allowed, a Certificate of Eligibility is issued to the applicant, entitling them to legal aid or advice.
• There are no fees or expenses required from the applicant for availing legal aid.

Key Functions of Legal Services Authorities in Assam

The ASLSA, along with its District and Taluka counterparts, performs various functions to achieve its objectives:

• Providing Free Legal Services: To eligible persons.
• Organizing Lok Adalats: For amicable settlement of disputes, including pre-litigation and pending cases in courts.
• Conducting Legal Awareness & Literacy Camps: Especially in rural areas, slums, and labor colonies, to educate weaker sections about their rights and welfare legislations.
• Undertaking Preventive & Strategic Legal Aid Programmes.
• Encouraging Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Promoting settlement of disputes through negotiation, arbitration, and conciliation.
• Establishing & Supervising Legal Aid Clinics: In universities, law colleges, and other institutions.
• Coordinating with NGOs and Voluntary Social Welfare Institutions: To expand outreach and support.
• Monitoring & Evaluating Legal Aid Programmes.

Contact Information for Legal Aid in Assam

It is recommended to first approach the **District Legal Services Authority (DLSA)** or **Taluk Legal Services Committee (TLSC)** relevant to your geographical area for most matters. For High Court related matters, contact the Gauhati High Court Legal Services Committee (GHCLSC) or ASLSA.

Assam State Legal Services Authority (ASLSA)

• Address: Adjacent to Gauhati High Court, New Block, Guwahati - 781001, Assam.
• Phone: 0361-2601843
• Email: assamslsa1@gmail.com
• Website: https://aslsa.assam.gov.in/ (Official website link provided by NALSA)

Gauhati High Court Legal Services Committee (GHCLSC)

• Main Office: Gauhati High Court, Second Floor (Old Block), M.G. Road, Guwahati 781001.
• Front Office: Gauhati High Court, Ground Floor (Old Block).
• Mobile No.: 70990-63524
• Email: gauhatihclsc[at]gmail[dot]com
• Website: https://ghclsc.gov.in/contact.html

District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in Assam:

Each district in Assam has a DLSA. Here are contacts for some major districts (it's advisable to check the official ASLSA or NALSA website for the most current and complete list):

• Baksa: District & Sessions Judge Establishment, Baksa Bathoupuri, Mushalpur Baksa (BTAD), Assam PIN- 781372
• Barpeta: Office of the District & Sessions Judge, Barpeta, Assam. Phone: (03665) 235000, Email: dj-barpeta@nic.in
• Bongaigaon: Office of the District Legal Services Authority, 1st Floor, District Court Complex. Phone: 03664-228125, Email: dlsabongaigaon@gmail.com
• Cachar (Silchar): O/O The District & Sessions Judge, Cachar, Silchar. Phone: 03842-233860, Email: dj-cachar@nic.in
• Dibrugarh: Chairman/Secretary, DLSA, O/O District & Sessions Judge. Phone: 0373-2323214, Email: dlsadibrugarh@gmail.com
• Goalpara: 2nd Floor, Goalpara District Judiciary Court Complex. Phone: 03663-240340, Email: dlsagoalpara@gmail.com
• Guwahati (Kamrup Metropolitan): District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kamrup, District & Sessions Judge Office Campus, Panbazar, Guwahati-781001. Email: dlsakamrupm@gmail.com
• Jorhat: Office of the District & Sessions Judge, Baruah Chari Ali. Phone: 0376 2320102 (Chairman) / 0376 - 2300168 (Secretary)
• Nagaon: Contact details typically found on the respective District Court or DLSA website.
• Sivasagar: Contact details typically found on the respective District Court or DLSA website.

For a complete and updated list of all District Legal Services Authorities and their contact details, please refer to the official NALSA website under "Websites of State Legal Services Authorities" or the Assam State Legal Services Authority website.

National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) Helpline

For general queries regarding legal aid services across India, you can also contact the NALSA toll-free helpline:

• **Toll-Free Number:** 15100

Legal Aid Clinics and Awareness Initiatives

In addition to the formal legal services authorities, institutions like the **National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam (NLUJAA)**, operate Legal Aid Clinics. These clinics provide free legal advice and assistance, conduct legal awareness campaigns, and work in collaboration with DLSAs and NGOs to reach out to the community.

• **NLUJAA Legal Aid Clinic:**
  • Address: Hajo Road, Amingaon, Guwahati-781031, Assam.
  • Timings: Monday to Friday, 04:00 PM to 05:00 PM (on working days).
  • Email: nlualac@nluassam.ac.in
  • Phone: +91-361-2738891

These initiatives are crucial in spreading legal literacy and ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations are aware of their rights and how to access justice.