Understanding justice in India

Laws and procedures differ by state, forum, and facts. The notes below are a starting point — always confirm deadlines and remedies with a qualified advocate.

• Courts in India

  Matters may start in district courts, specialised tribunals (consumer, labour, tax), or high courts on appeal. The Supreme Court is the apex court for significant constitutional and appellate issues.

• Free legal aid

  If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may qualify for free services through State/District Legal Services Authorities — including women, children, persons with disabilities, SC/ST members, and others listed under NALSA guidelines.

• ADR & Lok Adalats

  Many disputes can be resolved through mediation, arbitration, or Lok Adalats organised by legal services authorities — often faster and less adversarial than full litigation.

• When to hire your own lawyer

  Public portals explain the law; a practising advocate gives advice on your facts, drafts filings, and represents you. For deadlines, arrest, or high-value disputes, consult a lawyer promptly.

Common legal topics

Jump to a practice area, then find lawyers who handle that work.

• Family & matrimonialDivorce, maintenance, custody, domestic violence (DV Act), and succession — often handled in family courts or appropriate civil courts.View practice area
• Property & housingSale deeds, RERA complaints, tenant disputes, society matters, and registration — documentation and local laws vary by state.View practice area
• Criminal defenceFIRs, bail, trials under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and related procedure codes, cyber offences, and cheque dishonour (NI Act).View practice area
• Civil & consumerAccident claims, insurance, civil suits, and consumer forums for defective products or deficient services.View practice area
• Business & complianceCompany law, contracts, GST, labour compliance, and startup structuring — often needs ongoing counsel beyond a single consult.View practice area
• IP & technologyTrademarks, copyrights, patents, and IT contracts — filings with IP offices and enforcement through civil courts.View practice area

Public legal resources (India)

Official and open-access portals maintained by government or civic organisations. GetLawyer is not affiliated with these sites; links open in a new tab.

• Government of IndiaNALSA — National Legal Services AuthorityFree legal aid for eligible citizens under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. State and district authorities arrange advocates, court fees, and document help.Visit external site
• NALSANational Legal Aid Helpline — 15100Toll-free helpline to reach legal services authorities and get guidance on applying for legal aid in your state or district.Visit external site
• Civic / open accessNyaaya — India’s laws explainedOpen-access guides on family, property, police and courts, labour, consumer rights, and more — in plain language with regional content.Visit external site
• Legislative DepartmentIndia CodeOfficial digital repository of Central and State Acts and subordinate legislation that are in force.Visit external site
• e-Committee, Supreme Court of IndiaeCourts ServicesCase status, cause lists, court orders, e-Filing, and e-Pay facilities for district and high courts across India.Visit external site
• Department of Consumer AffairsNational Consumer HelplineRegister and track consumer complaints; dial 1800-11-4000 or use the online portal for defective goods and deficient services.Visit external site

Browse by city

Metro and tier-one cities — open the directory to refine by language, fee, and specialization.