Government legal aid remains underutilised, Nellore official warns

Y.J. Padmashree, Secretary of the Nellore District Legal Services Authority, has appealed to the public to make fuller use of complimentary legal aid services provided by the state, particularly those segments of society facing financial or social hardship.

Addressing a legal awareness seminar, Padmashree underscored that the government carries a constitutional mandate to extend free legal assistance to economically disadvantaged citizens, socially marginalised groups, persons with disabilities, and the illiterate population.

The appeal comes as part of broader efforts to bridge the gap between available legal services and public awareness. Despite the existence of government-funded legal aid programmes, uptake among eligible beneficiaries remains limited, officials have noted.

The District Legal Services Authority operates as part of a nationwide network designed to ensure equitable access to justice irrespective of economic status. Through these schemes, qualifying individuals can receive legal representation, counselling, and court-related assistance at no cost.

Authorities have indicated plans to intensify outreach campaigns to inform disadvantaged communities about their entitlements and the procedures for accessing government legal aid in their respective districts.