Tele-Law 2.0

The Union Minister of Law and Justice launched the Tele-Law 2.0 initiative, a revamped version of the Tele-Law programme that aims to provide free legal aid to the rural and marginalised sections of society through video conferencing.

About Tele-Law 2.0:

This version entails the fusion of Tele-Law Services with Nyaya Bandhu pro bono legal services, a merger to further enhance citizen accessibility to legal aid.
The integration of legal guidance, support, and representation through a single registration process stands as a testament to the commitment to nurture a digitally literate and empowered populace.

The Tele-Law Programme:

The Tele-Law initiative operates under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice, a division of the Ministry of Law and Justice.
Launched in the year 2017, it stands as a groundbreaking platform for securing legal advice and consultation during the pre-litigation stage, driven by the vision of “Reaching the Unreached.”
This ingenious program is designed to bridge the gap between those seeking legal aid, particularly the marginalized and underserved, and Panel Lawyers through a digital interface.
This connection is established via video conferencing or telephonic facilities accessible at Common Service Centres (CSCs) located at the grassroots level, such as panchayats. Additionally, the convenience of the Tele-Law Mobile App extends the service’s reach even further.
A Panel Lawyer, meticulously chosen by the Department of Justice and CSC-eGovernance Services, or registered on the Panel of State/District Legal Services Authority, acts as the legal expert in this collaborative effort.

Eligibility Criteria:

The Tele-Law service extends its arms to provide legal advice to a broad spectrum of individuals. Free legal advice is extended to those who fall under the purview of Section 12 of the LSA Act, 1987. This includes:

Women
Children
Individuals from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
Victims of Trafficking
People with Mental Illness or Different Abilities
Victims of Natural Disasters or Ethnic Violence
Unorganized Sector or Industrial Workers
Undertrials
Individuals with Limited Income
For other individuals, a nominal consultation fee of Rs. 30/- is applicable.

Legal matters in which advice can be taken through Tele-Law service include:

Dowry, family dispute, divorce, protection from domestic violence
- Sexual harassment, sexual abuse, eve teasing at the workplace
- Maintenance of women, children and senior citizens
- Rights regarding property and land
- Equal wages for males and females
- Maternity benefits and prevention of foeticide

MCQs about Tele-Law 2.0

Question 1: What is the main objective of the Tele-Law 2.0 initiative?

a) Providing free internet access to rural areas
b) Offering telephonic services for healthcare
c) Offering free legal aid through video conferencing
d) Providing financial assistance to marginalized individuals

Question 2: Which government department is responsible for overseeing the Tele-Law initiative?

a) Department of Justice
b) Ministry of Health
c) Ministry of Rural Development
d) Department of Telecommunications

Question 3: What is the purpose of the integration of Tele-Law Services with Nyaya Bandhu pro bono legal services?

a) To provide free medical assistance to rural areas
b) To enhance citizen accessibility to legal aid
c) To offer financial support to marginalized individuals
d) To provide vocational training to underprivileged individuals

Question 4: Who acts as the legal expert in the Tele-Law initiative?

a) Any lawyer registered in the country
b) Any lawyer practicing in urban areas
c) A Panel Lawyer selected by relevant authorities
d) A lawyer appointed by the Ministry of Health

Question 5: Who is eligible to receive free legal advice through Tele-Law services?

a) Any Indian citizen
b) Individuals with unlimited income
c) Victims of natural disasters only
d) Individuals from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes