Key Points
- Tele-Law programme operates through 12,560 Common Service Centres across Tamil Nadu’s 38 districts
- More than 10,000 advocates registered under Nyaya Bandhu pro bono legal services nationwide
- Ten e-books documenting tribal customary laws from North-East launched at Chennai workshop
The Centre’s Tele-Law programme now operates through more than 12,560 Common Service Centres across all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu, officials said at a regional workshop held in Chennai on Saturday. The programme, which provides free legal advice to citizens through video calls with lawyers, was reviewed at Kalaivanar Arangam alongside other initiatives under the Department of Justice’s DISHA scheme.
The Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice scheme, known as DISHA, aims to make legal help available to people who cannot afford lawyers or travel to courts. Through the Tele-Law service, citizens can walk into their nearest Common Service Centre, a government-authorised digital kiosk typically found in villages and small towns, and speak with a lawyer over video at no cost.
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How Tele-Law brings lawyers to villages
The programme addresses a fundamental problem in India’s justice system. Millions of people, particularly in rural areas, cannot access legal advice because lawyers are concentrated in cities and towns with courts. Tele-Law bridges this gap using technology that most villages now have: internet connectivity and video calling.
Citizens can access the service through three channels: visiting one of the 12,560 Common Service Centres in Tamil Nadu, calling the toll-free helpline 14454 or using the Tele-Law mobile application. The service covers 16 aspirational blocks in the state, areas identified by the government as requiring focused development efforts.
Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Tamil Nadu, said at the workshop that justice must reach even those in remote villages. He emphasised that strengthening public faith in the judiciary is essential for achieving the vision of a developed India.
Chief Justice calls DISHA a ‘legal first-aid kit’
Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari, Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, described the DISHA initiative as a legal first-aid kit that moves the country from legal aid towards legal empowerment. He said access to justice is a fundamental constitutional obligation rooted in Articles 14, 21 and 39A of the Constitution.
These constitutional provisions guarantee equality before law, protection of life and personal liberty, and free legal aid to economically weaker sections. Dharmadhikari noted that technology-enabled platforms can significantly strengthen citizen engagement with legal institutions.
Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State for Law and Justice, said the government is leveraging technology to make justice more accessible, affordable and citizen-centric. He highlighted that initiatives such as Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu and legal literacy programmes are expanding legal services at the grassroots level.
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The workshop also reviewed progress of the Nyaya Bandhu programme, which connects people who need legal help with lawyers willing to work without charging fees. As of February 2026, more than 10,000 advocates have registered to provide such pro bono services, according to official data presented at the event.
Pro Bono Clubs, which are student organisations promoting free legal assistance, have been established in 109 law colleges across India. These clubs train law students to provide basic legal guidance while completing their education.
Videos showcasing the Nyaya Oli Project, implemented through Dr Ambedkar Government Law College in Puducherry, were screened at the workshop. The project focuses on spreading legal awareness in local communities.
Tribal customary laws documented in e-books
Officials launched ten e-books documenting customary laws of tribal communities from the North-Eastern region. The documentation was completed in collaboration with the Law Research Institute of the Gauhati High Court.
Customary laws are traditional rules that tribal communities have followed for generations, often governing matters such as marriage, inheritance and dispute resolution. These laws exist alongside formal Indian law and are recognised in certain contexts, but have rarely been systematically recorded.
The Secretary of the Department of Justice outlined the objectives of the DISHA framework at the workshop, stating that awareness is the first step towards empowerment and inclusive justice delivery. Representatives from Common Service Centres, law schools, student groups and civil society organisations attended the event.
The workshop concluded with officials indicating that expansion of Tele-Law services to additional service points remains a priority for the current financial year.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the Tele-Law programme and how can citizens use it?
Tele-Law is a government programme providing free legal advice through video calls with lawyers. Citizens can access it by visiting Common Service Centres, calling the toll-free number 14454 or using the Tele-Law mobile application.
How many Common Service Centres offer Tele-Law in Tamil Nadu?
More than 12,560 Common Service Centres across all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu now offer Tele-Law services, including coverage in 16 aspirational blocks.
What is Nyaya Bandhu and who can benefit from it?
Nyaya Bandhu connects people needing legal help with lawyers who provide services without charging fees. Over 10,000 advocates have registered under the programme as of February 2026.
What does the DISHA scheme cover?
The Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice scheme covers Tele-Law video consultations, Nyaya Bandhu pro bono services, legal literacy programmes and documentation of tribal customary laws.
