National Legal Services Day is celebrated every year on November 9. This day raises awareness about the importance of equitable access to justice for people around the globe. Moreover, this annual event commemorates the passing of the Legal Services Authority Act of 1995 in India. It is important for individuals to follow legal rules and regulations formulated by the Constitution to reduce the number of crimes and make this world a better place for all. In this blog, you will read more about National Legal Services Day, its history, its theme for 2024, and its significance. Let’s get started.
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When is National Legal Services Day Celebrated?
It is celebrated on 9 November on an annual basis to memorialize the passing of the Legal Services Authority Act on 9 November 1995. This act was adopted by India in 1987.
History of National Legal Services Day
Legal Services Authority Act was formulated and passed by the Supreme Court of India on 9 November 1987 and it came into action in 1995. Since then, this day is celebrated as National Legal Services Day. Hon’ble Dr Justice D. Y. Chandrachud, the Chief Justice of India is the Patron-in-Chief of the NALSA of India.
The purpose of celebrating this day is to raise awareness and educate people about the free legal services and basic legal rights of every citizen of India. The NALSA ensures equal rights and access to justice for every person irrespective of financial and social differences.
Here are the important events in the formation of NLSD:
- 1970: A committee was appointed by the Supreme Court of India to examine the feasibility of providing legal aid to the EWS.
- 1976: The Legal Aid Act is passed by Parliament.
- 1980: NALSA was established.
- 1987: The Legal Services Authorities Act is enacted.
- 1995: The Legal Services Authorities Act comes into force and NLSD is first celebrated on November 9.
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National Legal Services Day 2024 Theme
There is no particular theme for National Legal Services Day in 2024. Nonetheless, the primary aim behind its annual celebration remains the same. The day focuses on spreading the message of the Legal Services Act and raising awareness about free legal aid to the weaker sections of society.
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Significance of National Legal Services Day
National Legal Services Day is just not another day in the calendar of important dates and days. It holds great significance for several reasons such as:
- This day plays a key role in the life of the weaker section of society.
- The day is dedicated to spreading knowledge and awareness about the legal services offered by the government to the weaker sections.
- NLSD also spreads awareness about alternative dispute resolution methods such as Lok Adalats, Judicial settlement, conciliation, and arbitration.
- The day also highlights the importance of providing legal aid to those who cannot afford it.
- The annual celebration of National Legal Services Day ensures access to justice as a fundamental right.
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FAQs
A1. The Supreme Court of India started Legal Services Day in 1995.
A2. Legal Services Day is celebrated on 9 November to commemorate the enactment of the National Legal Services Authority Act in 1995. This day is celebrated to spread legal awareness, provide legal aid, organise Lok Adalats, and friendly settlement of disputes mainly for the economically weaker sections of the society.
A3. The theme of NLSD emphasizes educating people about their legal rights and offering equal access to justice for all.
A4. The judge of the Supreme Court also known as the Chief Justice of India i.e. Hon’ble Dr Justice Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud, Patron-in-Chief is the head of the National Legal Services Authority.
A5. The full form of NALSA is National Legal Services Authority. It refers to an organisation that provides free legal services to the less privileged sections of society
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