Tele law
Tele-Law means the use of communications and information technology for the delivery of legal information and advice. . The concept of Tele-Law is to facilitate delivery of legal advice through a panel of lawyers stationed at the front office of Legal Services Authorities and Common Services Center (CSC).
1. Official Definition of Tele- Law
The Department of Justice's website defines Tele- Law as the use of communications and information technology for the delivery of legal information and advice. This e-interaction between lawyers and people would be through the video-conferencing infrastructure available at the CSCs.[1]
The project initiates to connect citizens with panel lawyers through video conferencing/telephone facilities by the Village Level Entrepreneur identified in 2,50,000 gram panchayat.[1] Tele-Law is operational in 785 districts and 36 States/UTs with special focus on Aspirational Districts and Blocks.[2]
2. Overview of Tele- Law
Department of Justice has partnered with NALSA and CSC e-Governance Service India Limited for mainstreaming legal aid to the marginalised communities through Common Services Center (CSC). The concept of Tele-Law is to facilitate delivery of legal advice through a panel of lawyers stationed at the front office of Legal Services Authorities and CSC. The project initiates to connect citizens with panel lawyers through video conferencing/telephone facilities by the Village Level Entrepreneur identified in 2,50,000 gram panchayat.[1] Tele-Law is operational in785 districts and 36 States/UTs with special focus on Aspirational Districts and Blocks.[2]
2.1 Objectives of the Scheme
- Tele-Law service to be covered by 2,50,000 CSCs across 28 states and 8 UTs of India, through video conferencing / Telephone.
- Preferably women para legal volunteers to be identified and empowered. They would be engaged in CSCs for enabling access to legal aid for rural citizens.
- Tele-Law model will facilitate legal advice through expert panel of lawyers placed at CSCs and Legal Services Authorities.[1]
2.2 Implementation of the Scheme
The implementation process begins when a beneficiary seeks an appointment for legal assistance. They can do this through any of three channels: by accessing the Tele-Law mobile application, by visiting a nearby Common Service Center (CSC), or by calling the designated helpline number 14454 for instant legal advice or consultation. Once the request is made, the beneficiary receives the details of the scheduled appointment via SMS.
On the appointed date and time, the beneficiary connects with a panel lawyer for consultation. This can be done either through a video call using the Tele-Law mobile app or by visiting the CSC, where the beneficiary can make the call with assistance. During this consultation, the panel lawyer provides legal advice tailored to the beneficiary’s issue.
After receiving the legal advice, the beneficiary must decide whether they require representation in court. If they do not need representation, the process concludes and the beneficiary is considered served. However, if representation is required, the case is forwarded to the Nyaya Bandhu system. The beneficiary is then guided to download the Nyaya Bandhu mobile application, through which they are connected to a Nyaya Bandhu lawyer for further handling of the case.
Finally, the Nyaya Bandhu lawyer provides representation for the beneficiary in court, ensuring that the individual receives both legal guidance and formal legal support where necessary. This integrated process ensures seamless access to legal services, from initial advice to courtroom representation.[3]
2.3 State/ UT- wise distribution
There are a total of 2,50,000 CSCs set up all over the country. Uttar Pradesh tops the list with 49238 CSCs while Delhi has just 10 CSCs.[4]
2.4 Interaction between lawyers and people
The e-interaction between lawyers and people is through :
1. Video-conferencing infrastructure available at the CSCs;
2. Citizens Tele-Law mobile app ;
3. Tele Facilitation Centre (TFC) Toll free no 14454 ; and
4. The Nyaya Sahayaks identified across 500 Aspirational blocks.[2]
3. Tele-Law in Aspirational Districts
The Tele-Law programme, having received a strong response during its pilot phase and recognised as a priority under the Government of India’s 100-day agenda, is now being expanded to all 112 Aspirational Districts across 27 states to strengthen early access to legal advice for citizens. These districts, described as “Aspirational” to highlight their potential rather than their challenges, are evaluated on indicators such as education, health and nutrition, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion, basic infrastructure, and skill development. In line with the national commitment of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, the initiative seeks to integrate Sabka Nyaya—justice for all—as an essential pillar of empowerment. The Department of Justice aims to act as a force multiplier by extending Tele-Law services through 21,502 Common Service Centres (CSCs) in partnership with NALSA, State and District Legal Services Authorities, and CSC e-Governance Services. To ensure effective utilisation, 21,502 Tele-Law para-legal volunteers from local communities will serve as crucial intermediaries, connecting beneficiaries with panel lawyers and facilitating access to free legal aid.[5]