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DISHA Central Sector Scheme (2021–2026)
The DISHA Scheme (Department of Justice Integrated Scheme for Holistic Access to Justice) aims to provide accessible, technology-driven legal aid and services, especially for marginalized and rural populations, in line with the constitutional mandate of equal justice.
DISHA Scheme :
| Aspect | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | DISHA (Department of Justice Integrated Scheme for Holistic Access to Justice). |
| Type of Scheme | Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding by the Union Government. |
| Launch & Duration | Launched in April 2021 for the period 2021–2026. |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Law and Justice. |
| Implementing Agency | Department of Justice. |
| Aim | To integrate legal aid initiatives and ensure equal access to justice through digital platforms and grassroots services. |
| Coverage | Pan-India across all States and Union Territories. |
| Constitutional Basis | Article 39A (equal justice and free legal aid), Article 14 (equality before law), Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty). |
| Core Objectives | Deliver citizen-centric legal services, promote technology-enabled justice, improve legal literacy, and provide pre-litigation support to reduce court burden. |
| Tele-Law Programme | Provides free pre-litigation legal advice through panel lawyers via Common Service Centres, mobile app, and toll-free helpline. |
| Nyaya Bandhu Programme | Connects volunteer advocates with eligible beneficiaries for free legal representation; includes Pro Bono Clubs in law colleges. |
| e-Courts Mission Mode Project | Digitisation and modernisation of courts using ICT; Phase III (2023–2027) focuses on paperless courts and digital case management. |
| Digital Courts | Includes AI-based tools such as SUPACE and LegRAA, virtual courts for traffic cases, and India’s first fully paperless district court at Kalpetta (Kerala). |
| Nyaya Sahayaks | Introduced in 2024 to provide door-to-door legal assistance and connect citizens with legal aid platforms. |
| Associated Institution | National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 for providing free legal aid and organising Lok Adalats. |
| Legal Aid Structure | Multi-tier system including NALSA, State Legal Services Authorities, District Legal Services Authorities, and Taluk Committees. |