Government Strengthens Pro Bono Legal Services Through Nyaya Bandhu
The Indian government has reinforced its commitment to pro bono legal services with its Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) program, launched in 2017. This initiative connects individuals eligible for free legal aid, as defined under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities (LSA) Act, 1987, with volunteer pro bono lawyers. As of November 2025, 9,776 advocates have registered on the Nyaya Bandhu portal. Additionally, a Pro Bono Club sub-scheme is operational across 109 law schools to foster a culture of pro bono among students. Panels for Nyaya Bandhu services are also functional in 23 High Courts to institutionalize these efforts. Despite these advancements, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) remains distinct from pro bono services provided voluntarily by advocates. This information was shared by the Minister of State for Law and Justice in the Rajya Sabha.
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