Indian Polity : National & State Legal Services Authority, Gram Nyayalaya Act
UPSC CSE Prelims 2013
Both statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Statement 1: The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. Its primary objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of society, ensuring equal opportunity and access to justice. This aligns with the constitutional mandate under Article 39A, which directs the state to secure that the operation of the legal system promotes justice on a basis of equal opportunity, and shall, in particular, provide free legal aid.
Statement 2: NALSA is responsible for formulating policies, principles, and guidelines for the State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) and other legal services institutions. These guidelines are crucial for the effective and uniform implementation of legal aid programmes, schemes, and Lok Adalat activities throughout the country. The SLSAs then implement these directives at the state level.
Options (A), (B), and (D) are incorrect because both statements 1 and 2 accurately describe the functions and objectives of the National Legal Services Authority, as established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.