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Source: The post is based on the article “Tele Law : Reaching the Unreached” published in PIB on 13th July 2023
What is the News?
The Tele Law program has revolutionized access to pre-litigation advice and empowered over 46 lakh beneficiaries nationwide with free legal advice.
What is the Tele Law Initiative?
The Tele Law Initiative was launched by the Department of Justice in 2017.
Purpose: It is an e-interface mechanism to seek legal advice and consultation at a pre-litigation stage with the aim of ‘Reaching the Unreached’.
Under this initiative, smart technology of video conferencing, telephone /instant calling facilities available at the vast network of Common Service Centres at the Panchayat level are used to connect the indigent, down-trodden, vulnerable, unreached groups and communities with the Panel Lawyers for seeking timely and valuable legal advice.
– In addition, the service can also be accessed through the Tele Law Mobile App (available on Android and iOS).
Cost: Tele Law is provided free of cost to those persons entitled to free legal aid under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities (LSA) Act, 1987, and at a nominal fee of Rs. 30/- per consultation for “others”.
Real time data: A dedicated Tele Law dashboard has been developed to capture real-time data on the nature of cases registered & advice enabled.
Significance: Tele Law initiative has made legal consultation both easily accessible and highly affordable for the common citizens.
