Legal Services Day observed in India on November 9

Highlights:

• The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) celebrates Legal Services Day on November 9 annually in India.
• The Day is celebrated to commemorate the enactment of Legal Services Authorities Act 1987 in India.

• This day is significant for raising awareness among people regarding several provisions under the Legal Services Authorities Act. 
• It also raises awareness on rights of the litigants.
• The Day keeps citizens informed and works for encouraging free proficient legal services for the people belonging to weaker section of the society.
• It provides a perfect opportunity for raising issues and problems with the justice system of India.
• On October 11, 1987, the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 was enacted and it came into force on November 9, 1995. 
• Accordingly, Legal Services Day was commenced by the Supreme Court of India in 1995 in order to assist and provide help & support to the weaker sections of the society as well as to commemorate the enactment of the Act.
• The National Legal Services Day was established with a mandate for offering support and help to the weaker and poor groups including women, disabled persons, Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, victims of natural calamities and victims of human trafficking.

• NALSA was constituted in 1995 in accordance with the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987. 
• It undertook the activities like free legal aid and advice to the needy. 
• It disposes off the cases through mediation and amicable settlement. 
• NALSA was set up with the objective of minimizing the backlogs of courts in India and afford access to justice for the needy.