Access to justice in tribal areas strengthened through legal support centres in Odisha

The Odisha government, with the support of national legal service institutions, has significantly expanded access to free legal aid in tribal and remote regions of the state. The initiative aims to ensure that economically weaker and marginalised communities, particularly Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, are not denied justice due to lack of resources or legal awareness.

Under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) provides a structured framework to deliver free and competent legal services across the country. In Odisha, this framework has been implemented through a multi-tier system of legal services institutions, operating from the village and taluk levels up to the Orissa High Court and the Supreme Court.

As part of this outreach, Village Legal Care and Support Centres, also known as Legal Services Clinics, have been established in tribal-dominated and rural pockets of the state. In accordance with the National Legal Services Authority (Legal Services Clinics) Regulations, 2011, these centres cater either to individual villages or clusters of villages, depending on population size and local needs.

At present, 132 Village Legal Care and Support Centres are functioning across Odisha under the supervision of District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) and Taluk Legal Services Committees (TLSCs). These centres assist residents in resolving legal issues, accessing government schemes, and understanding their rights.

Data from the last two years highlights the growing reach of these centres. In 2024, officials visited 8,029 people, providing legal assistance to 4,593 individuals. In 2025, 7,638 people were reached, while 5,644 received direct legal support, reflecting increased effectiveness and engagement.

In addition to grassroots legal aid, Odisha has actively promoted Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. During 2025, four National Lok Adalats were conducted across the state, covering courts from the taluk level to the Orissa High Court, in line with NALSA’s schedule. Furthermore, the Odisha State Legal Services Authority organised a special district-level Lok Adalat on July 27, 2025, focusing on cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.

To further strengthen dispute resolution, 22 Permanent Lok Adalats are currently operational in Odisha, dealing specifically with cases related to public utility services.

The details were shared by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, underscoring Odisha’s expanding legal infrastructure aimed at inclusive justice delivery.