Question map
Not attempted Correct Incorrect ★ Bookmarked
Loading…
Q99 (IAS/2020) Polity & Governance › Governance, Policies & Social Justice › Rights-based legislations Official Key

In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens ? 1. Person with an annual income of less than ₹ 1,00,000 2. Transgender with an annual income of less than ₹ 2,00,000 3. Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than ₹ 3,00,000 4. All Senior Citizens Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: A
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 1 (1 and 2 only). Under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, free legal aid is provided to specific marginalized sections to ensure justice for all, as mandated by Article 39A of the Constitution.

  • Statement 1 is correct: Generally, persons with an annual income of less than ₹ 1,00,000 (though states can increase this limit) are eligible.
  • Statement 2 is correct: Various State Legal Services Authorities have extended eligibility to Transgenders; for instance, in many states/UTs (like Delhi), the income limit for them is ₹ 2,00,000.
  • Statement 3 is incorrect: The Act does not specifically categorize "OBCs" as eligible based on a ₹ 3,00,000 limit. Eligibility is primarily for SC/STs, regardless of income, or other citizens based on lower income thresholds.
  • Statement 4 is incorrect: Not "all" senior citizens are eligible; their eligibility is subject to income limits prescribed by respective State Governments.
How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
58%
got it right
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full view
Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens ? 1. Person with an annual in…
At a glance
Origin: Books + Current Affairs Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 2.5/10 · 5/10

This question masquerades as a statistical nightmare but is actually a test of Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. You didn't need to know the exact Transgender limit. You just needed to know that 'All Senior Citizens' is false (they are means-tested) and 'OBCs' don't have a special higher bracket in this Act (unlike SC/STs who are exempt). Elimination kills options B, C, and D.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Are persons in India with an annual income of less than ₹1,00,000 eligible for free legal services under the Legal Services Authorities scheme?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' > p. 375
Presence: 5/5
“• (iv) Victims of mass disaster, violence, flood, drought, earthquake, industrial disaster • (v) Disabled persons • (vi) Persons in custody • (vii) Persons whose annual income does not exceed ~1 lakh (in the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, the limit is ~5,OO,OOO .) • (viii) Victims of trafficking in human beings or beggar.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly lists as an eligible category: persons whose annual income does not exceed ₹1 lakh.
  • Gives the income-based threshold used by Legal Services Committees and contrasts it with the Supreme Court committee limit, confirming the ₹1 lakh cutoff for ordinary committees.
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' > p. 374
Presence: 3/5
“-l NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' Article 39A of the Constitution of India provides for free legal aid to the poor and weaker sections of the society and ensures justice for all. Further, Articles 14 and 22(1) of the Constitution also make it obligatory for the State to ensure equality before law and a legal system which promotes justice on the basis of equal opportunity to all In every State, a State Legal Services Authority and in every High Court, a High Court Legal Services Committee have been constituted. The District Legal Services Authorities, Thuluk Legal Services Committees have been constituted in the districts and most of the Thuls to give effect to the policies and directions of the NLSA and to provide free legal services to the people and conduct Lok Adalats in the State.”
Why this source?
  • States that Article 39A provides for free legal aid to the poor and weaker sections, establishing the constitutional and institutional basis for free legal services.
  • Describes the National, State, High Court and District Legal Services Authorities set up to provide free legal services, linking the income-based eligibility to the functioning authorities.
Statement 2
Are transgender persons in India with an annual income of less than ₹2,00,000 eligible for free legal services under the Legal Services Authorities scheme?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 4/5
"Transgender persons with an annual income of less than ₹2,00,000 are also entitled to these services"
Why this source?
  • Explicitly identifies transgender individuals as a beneficiary category for free legal services.
  • Specifies the income threshold for transgender persons as less than ₹2,00,000.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"Transgender individuals with an annual income of less than Rs. 2,00,000"
Why this source?
  • Restates the same eligibility criterion for transgender persons with the ₹2,00,000 income cutoff.
  • Frames the entitlement under the Legal Services Authorities scheme as aimed at marginalized groups.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' > p. 375
Strength: 5/5
“• (iv) Victims of mass disaster, violence, flood, drought, earthquake, industrial disaster • (v) Disabled persons • (vi) Persons in custody • (vii) Persons whose annual income does not exceed ~1 lakh (in the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, the limit is ~5,OO,OOO .) • (viii) Victims of trafficking in human beings or beggar.”
Why relevant

Gives the explicit income-based eligibility rule used by Legal Services Authorities: persons whose annual income does not exceed ~1 lakh (and a separate ~5,00,000 limit for Supreme Court committee).

How to extend

A student could compare the stated statutory income cut-offs (₹1,00,000 or ₹5,00,000) to the ₹2,00,000 figure in the claim to judge if ₹2,00,000 matches documented thresholds.

Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' > p. 375
Strength: 4/5
“• (iv) Victims of mass disaster, violence, flood, drought, earthquake, industrial disaster • (v) Disabled persons • (vi) Persons in custody • (vii) Persons whose annual income does not exceed ~1 lakh (in the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, the limit is ~5,OO,OOO .) • (viii) Victims of trafficking in human beings or beggar.”
Why relevant

Repeats the list of beneficiary categories for free legal services, emphasising income-based and special-vulnerable categories (disabled, victims, persons in custody, etc.).

How to extend

One can use this pattern to ask whether transgender persons are explicitly listed among special-vulnerable categories or must rely solely on the income criterion.

Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' > p. 374
Strength: 4/5
“-l NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' Article 39A of the Constitution of India provides for free legal aid to the poor and weaker sections of the society and ensures justice for all. Further, Articles 14 and 22(1) of the Constitution also make it obligatory for the State to ensure equality before law and a legal system which promotes justice on the basis of equal opportunity to all In every State, a State Legal Services Authority and in every High Court, a High Court Legal Services Committee have been constituted. The District Legal Services Authorities, Thuluk Legal Services Committees have been constituted in the districts and most of the Thuls to give effect to the policies and directions of the NLSA and to provide free legal services to the people and conduct Lok Adalats in the State.”
Why relevant

Explains the constitutional basis (Art. 39A, Articles 14/22) for providing free legal aid to 'poor and weaker sections', establishing the principle that vulnerability or poverty justifies assistance.

How to extend

A student could combine this rule with knowledge that transgender persons are a 'weaker section' to infer potential eligibility beyond strict income thresholds and then seek corresponding NLsA rules.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 90: Landmark Judgements and Their Impact > NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY CASE (2014) > p. 639
Strength: 3/5
“| Name of the Case: National Legal Services Authority vs. Union of India | Year of Judgement: 2014 | Name of the Case: Rights of transgender persons | Name of the Case: Related Article! : National Legal Services Authority vs. Union of India Supreme Court Judgement: It declared Transgenders along with Hijaras! and Eunuchs as 'third gender' and held that the fundamental rights granted under Part III of the constitution are equally applicable to them. It also upheld transgender persons' right to decide their self-identified gender and directed the Central and State Governments to grant legal recognition of their gender identity such as male, female or as third gender.”
Why relevant

Supreme Court judgment declared transgender persons a 'third gender' and affirmed their fundamental rights, which signals official recognition of their vulnerable status.

How to extend

Using this recognition, a student might reasonably investigate whether NLsA policy or beneficiary lists have been interpreted/expanded to include transgender persons as a 'weaker section' eligible for aid irrespective of or in addition to income limits.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > 2020 TEST PAPER > p. 758
Strength: 2/5
“Along with the Budget, the Finance Minister also places other documents before the Parliament which include 'The Macro Economic Framework Statement' Select the correct answer using the code given below: // 9. In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens? • 1. Person with an annual income of less than n,oo,OOO • 2. Transgender with an annual income of less than tz,oo,OOO • 3. Member of Other Backward Classes (aBC) with an annual income of less than ~3,OO,OOO • 4. All Senior Citizens Select the correct answer using the code given below: • Ca) I and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only Cc) 2 and 3 only Cd) I and 4 only”
Why relevant

Contains a multiple-choice item that pairs 'Person with an annual income of less than n,oo,OOO' and 'Transgender with an annual income of less than tz,oo,OOO' as candidate beneficiary descriptions, suggesting exam-material attention to both income thresholds and transgender status.

How to extend

A student could treat this as an indication that some sources discuss transgender-specific income thresholds and therefore check official NLsA criteria for any separate numeric cut-offs.

Statement 3
Are members of Other Backward Classes (OBC) in India with an annual income of less than ₹3,00,000 eligible for free legal services under the Legal Services Authorities scheme?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Other Backward Classes (OBC): Members of OBC with an annual income of less than ₹3,00,000 qualify for free legal aid."
Why this source?
  • Directly states the eligibility of OBC members with the specified income limit for free legal aid.
  • Specifies the exact income threshold (₹3,00,000) tied to OBC eligibility under the scheme.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > 2020 TEST PAPER > p. 758
Strength: 4/5
“Along with the Budget, the Finance Minister also places other documents before the Parliament which include 'The Macro Economic Framework Statement' Select the correct answer using the code given below: // 9. In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens? • 1. Person with an annual income of less than n,oo,OOO • 2. Transgender with an annual income of less than tz,oo,OOO • 3. Member of Other Backward Classes (aBC) with an annual income of less than ~3,OO,OOO • 4. All Senior Citizens Select the correct answer using the code given below: • Ca) I and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only Cc) 2 and 3 only Cd) I and 4 only”
Why relevant

An MCQ list of beneficiaries of Legal Services Authorities explicitly includes 'Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than ~3,00,000' as one option, suggesting that an income threshold for OBCs is used in descriptions of eligibility.

How to extend

A student could treat this as a candidate threshold to verify against the official NALSA/Legal Services Act rules or notifications to see if ₹3,00,000 is the prescribed limit.

Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' > p. 374
Strength: 4/5
“-l NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' Article 39A of the Constitution of India provides for free legal aid to the poor and weaker sections of the society and ensures justice for all. Further, Articles 14 and 22(1) of the Constitution also make it obligatory for the State to ensure equality before law and a legal system which promotes justice on the basis of equal opportunity to all In every State, a State Legal Services Authority and in every High Court, a High Court Legal Services Committee have been constituted. The District Legal Services Authorities, Thuluk Legal Services Committees have been constituted in the districts and most of the Thuls to give effect to the policies and directions of the NLSA and to provide free legal services to the people and conduct Lok Adalats in the State.”
Why relevant

Explains that National/State/District Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to 'the poor and weaker sections' under Article 39A, indicating eligibility is framed by poverty/weakness criteria rather than only caste.

How to extend

One could combine this rule with a presumed income cutoff (like ₹3,00,000) to check whether that cutoff would reasonably classify OBC persons as 'poor/weaker sections' under the scheme.

Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > CHAP. 8] Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties 113 > p. 114
Strength: 5/5
“114 INTRODUCllON TO THE CONSTITUTJON OF INDIA [CHAP. 8 4 . The backwardness contented by Article 16(4) is mainly social. It need not be both social and educational. 5. "Mean s-test" signifies imposition of an income limit for the purpose of excluding persons from the backward classes. Those whose income is above that limit are referred to as the "creamy layer." Income or the extent of property can be taken as a measure of social advancement and on that basis the "creamy layer" of a given caste can he excluded. 6 . For giving reservations a class should be backward and should not be adequately represented in the services under the State.”
Why relevant

Defines 'means-test' and notes the 'creamy layer' concept for OBCs where an income limit is used to exclude better-off members from benefits — showing that income ceilings are commonly applied to OBC-targeted benefits.

How to extend

A student could infer that Legal Services Authorities might similarly apply an income-based means-test for OBC beneficiaries and seek the specific numeric cutoff in official guidelines.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 13: Cultural Setting > Government Schemes on SC/ST/OBC > p. 123
Strength: 4/5
“Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBCs: The aim of this Scheme is to motivate children of OBCs studying at pre-matric stage. The income ceiling for eligibility should not exceed Rs. 250,500/- per annum. Post-Matric Scholarship for OBCs: The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to the OBC students studying at postmatriculation or post-secondary stage to enable them complete their education. The income ceiling of parents/guardians for eligibility is Rs. 1.00 lakh per annum . Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls: This scheme aims at providing hostel facilities to students belonging to socially and educationally backward classes, especially from rural areas, to enable them to pursue secondary and higher education.”
Why relevant

Gives concrete examples of income ceilings for OBC-targeted schemes (e.g., pre-matric scholarship eligibility ceiling Rs. 250,500; post-matric Rs. 1,00,000), demonstrating that different schemes set explicit numeric income limits for OBC benefits.

How to extend

This pattern supports the plausibility that the Legal Services scheme would also have a specified rupee ceiling (so a student could compare the ₹3,00,000 figure to known ceilings and investigate official NALSA limits).

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights > EI Prohibition of Discrimination on Certain Grounds > p. 81
Strength: 3/5
“The benefit of this reservation can be availed by the persons belonging to EWSs who are not covered under any of the existing schemes of reservations for SCs, ST and OBCs. • 1. Persons whose family has gross annual income below 't8 lakh are to be identified as EWSs for the benefit of reservation. The income would include income from various sources i.e., salary, agriculture, business, profession etc. and it would be income for the financial year prior to the year of application .• 2 I 4. Family for this purpose would include the person who seeks benefit of reservation, his/ her parents and siblings below the eighteen years as also his/her spouse and children below the age of eighteen years.”
Why relevant

Shows that different schemes use varied income thresholds for eligibility (e.g., EWS income cut-off of ₹8 lakh), indicating that income limits vary by programme and are not standardized across all government benefits.

How to extend

A student could use this to caution that even if one source cites ₹3,00,000, the actual Legal Services Authorities limit must be checked because thresholds differ between schemes.

Statement 4
Are all senior citizens in India eligible for free legal services under the Legal Services Authorities scheme?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > 2020 TEST PAPER > p. 758
Strength: 4/5
“Along with the Budget, the Finance Minister also places other documents before the Parliament which include 'The Macro Economic Framework Statement' Select the correct answer using the code given below: // 9. In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens? • 1. Person with an annual income of less than n,oo,OOO • 2. Transgender with an annual income of less than tz,oo,OOO • 3. Member of Other Backward Classes (aBC) with an annual income of less than ~3,OO,OOO • 4. All Senior Citizens Select the correct answer using the code given below: • Ca) I and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only Cc) 2 and 3 only Cd) I and 4 only”
Why relevant

This MCQ lists 'All Senior Citizens' as one of several candidate beneficiary categories for free legal services, implying senior citizens are commonly discussed as a possible eligible class.

How to extend

A student could check the official beneficiary list of NALSA/Legal Services Authorities to see whether 'senior citizens' appear and whether any income/other limits apply.

Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' > p. 374
Strength: 5/5
“-l NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' Article 39A of the Constitution of India provides for free legal aid to the poor and weaker sections of the society and ensures justice for all. Further, Articles 14 and 22(1) of the Constitution also make it obligatory for the State to ensure equality before law and a legal system which promotes justice on the basis of equal opportunity to all In every State, a State Legal Services Authority and in every High Court, a High Court Legal Services Committee have been constituted. The District Legal Services Authorities, Thuluk Legal Services Committees have been constituted in the districts and most of the Thuls to give effect to the policies and directions of the NLSA and to provide free legal services to the people and conduct Lok Adalats in the State.”
Why relevant

States that Article 39A and the NALSA framework provide free legal aid to the 'poor and weaker sections', indicating eligibility is tied to poverty/weakness criteria rather than age alone.

How to extend

Combine this with knowledge that 'senior citizen' is an age category to deduce that only seniors meeting 'poor/weaker' criteria might be covered; verify by comparing NALSA beneficiary categories.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' > p. 374
Strength: 5/5
“The Supreme Court Legal Services Committee has been constituted to administer and implement the legal services programme insofar as it relates to the Supreme Court of India. The NALSA lays down policies, principles, guidelines and frames effective and economical schemes for the State Legal Services Authorities to implement the Legal Services Programs throughout the country. Primarily, the State Legal Services Authorities, District Legal Services Authorities, Thluk Legal Services Committees, etc. have been asked to discharge the following main functions on regular basis: • 1. To provide free and complete legal services to the eligible persons. • 2. Organize Lok Adalats for microabtc settlement of disputes. • 3.”
Why relevant

Specifies that NALSA and subordinate authorities 'provide free and complete legal services to the eligible persons', signalling the existence of defined eligibility rules rather than universal coverage of any demographic.

How to extend

A student should look up the formal eligibility rules/schedule under the Legal Services Authorities Act or NALSA schemes to see if 'senior citizens' are included unconditionally or with qualifiers.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > PERMANENT LOK ADALATS > p. 377
Strength: 3/5
“l PERMANENT LOK ADALATS The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 was amended in 2002 to provide for the establishment of the Permanent Lok Adalats to deal with cases pertaining to the public utility services. The salient features of the new institution of Permanent Lok Adalats are as follows: • 1. The Permanent Lok Adalat shall consist of a Chairman who is or has been a district judge or additional district judge, or has held judicial office higher in rank than that of the district judge, and two other persons having adequate experience in public utility services.• 2. The Permanent Lok Adalat shall exercise jurisdiction in respect of one or more public utility services such as transport services of passengers or goods by air, road and water; postal, telegraph or”
Why relevant

Refers to the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 (and its amendment), showing there is enabling legislation governing Lok Adalats and legal services — implying eligibility will be specified in statute/scheme.

How to extend

Use knowledge that eligibility is typically set in the Act/rules to consult those legal texts for any explicit mention of senior citizens and any qualifying conditions.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC tests the 'Logic of the Law' more than the data. If a category (Senior Citizens) isn't inherently vulnerable like SC/ST or Women/Children, it will always have an income filter.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Solvable Trap. It looks like a 'Memorize the Numbers' question, but it's actually a 'Know the Categories' question solvable by eliminating Statement 4.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Article 39A (Free Legal Aid) → Statutory backing: Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the Section 12 Beneficiaries (No Income Limit): Women, Children, SC/ST, Victims of Trafficking/Begar, Mass Disaster Victims, Disabled Persons, Persons in Custody, Industrial Workmen. (Everyone else = Income Limit of ₹1 Lakh).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When you see specific numbers (₹1L, ₹2L, ₹3L), don't panic. Look for the Categorical Trap. 'All Senior Citizens' implies wealthy seniors get free aid, which violates the principle of 'welfare for the needy.'
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 NLSA income-based eligibility threshold
💡 The insight

The Legal Services Authorities regime includes an income criterion of ₹1 lakh annual income as a basis for eligibility.

High-yield for UPSC because questions often test specific eligibility criteria under flagship legal schemes; links constitutional policy to practical implementation and helps answer MCQs and mains questions on access to justice.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' > p. 375
🔗 Anchor: "Are persons in India with an annual income of less than ₹1,00,000 eligible for f..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Article 39A — constitutional basis for free legal aid
💡 The insight

Article 39A provides the directive principle requiring free legal aid to poor and weaker sections, underpinning the Legal Services Authorities scheme.

Crucial for interlinking Fundamental Rights/Directive Principles with institutional responses; frequently appears in polity questions on access to justice, welfare state obligations, and implementation mechanisms.

📚 Reading List :
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' > p. 374
🔗 Anchor: "Are persons in India with an annual income of less than ₹1,00,000 eligible for f..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Varying income limits across legal services bodies
💡 The insight

Different legal services committees apply different income cut-offs (₹1 lakh generally; higher limit for the Supreme Court committee).

Useful detail for precision in objective questions and for framing balanced answers in mains; demonstrates how policy thresholds can vary by institutional level and affect access to justice.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' > p. 375
🔗 Anchor: "Are persons in India with an annual income of less than ₹1,00,000 eligible for f..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Eligibility criteria for free legal services (income limits)
💡 The insight

Free legal services eligibility includes an explicit annual-income cutoff (₹1 lakh for District/State Legal Services Committees; a different limit for Supreme Court committee).

High-yield for questions on access to justice and welfare entitlements: knowing numeric thresholds lets aspirants evaluate eligibility claims and compare district/state vs Supreme Court limits. Connects to schemes, legal administration and social justice topics; useful for direct factual questions and for grounding arguments in mains answers.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' > p. 375
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' > p. 375
🔗 Anchor: "Are transgender persons in India with an annual income of less than ₹2,00,000 el..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 NALSA (2014) — recognition of transgender as third gender
💡 The insight

Transgender persons were legally recognised as a distinct 'third gender' with fundamental rights protection.

Crucial for questions on judicial activism, rights of marginalized groups and gender justice: this concept links constitutional rights, identity recognition and entitlement to state schemes. It enables answering questions on legal identity, non-discrimination and policy implications.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 90: Landmark Judgements and Their Impact > NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY CASE (2014) > p. 639
🔗 Anchor: "Are transgender persons in India with an annual income of less than ₹2,00,000 el..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Constitutional basis for free legal aid (Article 39A, Articles 14 & 22(1))
💡 The insight

The Constitution provides a mandate for free legal aid to the poor and weaker sections, forming the legal foundation for Legal Services Authorities.

Essential for essays and prelims/mains on justice delivery and state obligations: connects Directive Principles with Fundamental Rights and institutional mechanisms (NLSA/State/High Court/District authorities). Helps frame answers on access to justice, equality before law and institutional roles.

📚 Reading List :
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' > p. 374
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' > p. 374
🔗 Anchor: "Are transgender persons in India with an annual income of less than ₹2,00,000 el..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Article 39A & National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)
💡 The insight

Article 39A and NALSA provide the constitutional and institutional basis for offering free legal aid to poor and weaker sections of society.

High-yield for questions on access to justice and legal aid: it links constitutional provisions to institutional mechanisms (NALSA, State/District Authorities). Useful for GS papers and ethics topics on social justice and the rule of law, and for answering policy/analysis questions on implementation of legal aid.

📚 Reading List :
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' > p. 374
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY' > p. 374
🔗 Anchor: "Are members of Other Backward Classes (OBC) in India with an annual income of le..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

Industrial Workmen (Section 12(f)) and Victims of Mass Disaster (Section 12(e)). These groups are eligible for free legal aid irrespective of income under the Central Act. A future question might trap you by asking if 'Victims of Drought' are eligible (Yes, they are).

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

The 'Rich Uncle' Test. Statement 4 says 'All Senior Citizens.' Ask yourself: 'Does a retired billionaire get free government lawyers?' No. Welfare schemes in India almost always have a 'creamy layer' or income cap unless the group is historically vulnerable (like SC/ST/Women). Therefore, 4 is false. Eliminate B and D.

🔗 Mains Connection

Mains GS-2 (Social Justice): Connect NALSA's mandate to SDG 16.3 (Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice for all). Also, link Section 12(g) (Persons in Custody) to the issue of 'Undertrials' and prison overcrowding.

✓ Thank you! We'll review this.

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2013 · Q96 Relevance score: 1.18

With reference to National Legal Services Authority, consider the following statements : 1. Its objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society on the basis of equal opportunity. 2. It issues guidelines for the State Legal Services Authorities to implement the legal programmes and schemes throughout the country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

CDS-II · 2008 · Q113 Relevance score: -1.70

Consider the following statements 1. Article 46 of the Constitution of India provides for free legal aid to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. 2. Article 14 of the Constitution of India provides for equality before law. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

IAS · 2011 · Q34 Relevance score: -2.35

India is home to lakhs of persons with disabilities. What are the benefits available to them under the law ? 1. Free schooling till the age of 18 years in government-run schools. 2. Preferential allotment of land for setting up business. 3. Ramps in public buildings. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

CAPF · 2017 · Q31 Relevance score: -2.79

Who among the following are entitled to get the benefits of equality before the law and the equal protection of the laws as enshrined under Article 14 of the Constitution of India ? 1. All Indian citizens living in India. 2. All Indian citizens living abroad 3. Foreigners living within the territory of India 4. All citizens bom in India Select the correct answer using the code given below :

CDS-I · 2019 · Q36 Relevance score: -3.29

Which of the following are the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)? 1. Free treatment available at all public and empanelled private hospitals in times of need 2. Cashless and paperless access to quality health care services 3. Government provides health insurance cover of up to Rs.5,00,000 per family per year 4. Pre-existing diseases are not covered Select the correct answer using the code given below.