ProBono Webinar

Theme: ACCESS TO JUSTICE : PRO BONO SERVICES IN INDIA

Event Date and year: 13th April 2025

Event brief description

The Legal Aid Clinic and Pro Bono Club, School of Law, Galgotias University, successfully organized an enlightening webinar on the topic “Legal Aid in India – Issues and Challenges” on April 13, 2025. The session was graced by Dr. Kalpeshkumar L. Gupta, Founder of ProBono India, a distinguished figure in the field of legal aid and social justice. 

Dr. Gupta’s presentation emphasized the fundamental role of access to justice in a democratic society and the constitutional vision embedded in Articles 14, 21, and 39A. He highlighted the existing challenges in India's legal aid structure, such as lack of trained legal aid counsels, poor infrastructure, minimal funding, and limited clinical legal education in law schools. The empirical studies discussed revealed alarming data about the quality and commitment of legal aid counsels and systemic gaps in delivery mechanisms. He also focused on the importance of Clinical Legal Education (CLE) and the proactive role law students and institutions must play in expanding legal aid services. The speaker underscored various initiatives including the Legal Aid Défense Counsel Scheme (2022), Tele-Law platforms, and digital innovations like the NALSA Legal Services App. He offered a robust roadmap for strengthening legal aid in India, suggesting improved training, better coordination with NGOs, and innovative models through legal startups.

The webinar concluded with a vibrant Q&A session, reflecting enthusiastic student engagement. This event not only enriched participants’ understanding but also reinforced our commitment at Galgotias University to foster legal awareness, responsibility, and service through our Legal Aid Clinic and Pro Bono initiatives.

Event Detailed Description

The Legal Aid Clinic and Pro Bono Club, School of Law, Galgotias University, hosted a thought-provoking webinar on the theme “Legal Aid in India – Issues and Challenges” on April 13, 2025. The session was delivered by the esteemed Dr. Kalpeshkumar L. Gupta, Founder of ProBono India and a leading voice in promoting access to justice and clinical legal education in India.

Dr. Gupta began the session by emphasizing the critical role of access to justice as a cornerstone of democracy and rule of law. Quoting definitions from institutions like the United Nations and Community Legal Education Ontario, he elaborated that access to justice means enabling people to seek legal remedies, understand their rights, and hold institutions accountable. He further linked it to constitutional mandates such as Article 14 (equality before law), Article 21 (right to life and liberty), and Article 39A (free legal aid and equal justice).

He then analyzed the current legal aid framework in India, presenting challenges such as inadequate clinical legal education, lack of trained and dedicated legal aid counsels, absence of student incentives, and low institutional support. Empirical studies highlighted significant gaps in the performance and commitment levels of Legal Aid Counsels (LACs), especially in critical cases. One study in Delhi revealed that 95% of women at family courts preferred private lawyers over LACs due to their perceived incompetence and lack of commitment.

Dr. Gupta advocated for the integration of Clinical Legal Education (CLE) in law schools. CLE offers experiential learning for students, promotes social responsibility, and directly benefits marginalized communities. Law students, under supervision, can offer valuable services while developing practical legal skills. However, CLE in India still lacks uniform implementation and institutional backing. He called for mandatory legal aid involvement, student credits, and professional training programs for faculty and students.

Furthermore, Dr. Gupta presented innovative solutions for revamping legal aid in India. He introduced platforms such as Tele-Law, the NALSA Legal Services App, and legal aid helplines like 15100 and 14454 that have extended support to remote populations. He also discussed the Legal Aid Defense Counsel Scheme (2022), modeled after the Public Defender System, aimed at enhancing the quality of legal representation in criminal matters. Additionally, he showcased real-world examples of legal startups and initiatives by students and institutions that have helped migrant workers, overcharged patients, and other vulnerable groups.

The webinar concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants raised insightful queries about policy reforms, student involvement, and sustainable legal aid models. Dr. Gupta answered each question with clarity and encouraged active participation from budding law professionals.

Overall, the webinar was an inspiring and informative session that resonated with the core values of justice, equity, and social responsibility. It reinforced the commitment of Galgotias University’s Legal Aid Clinic and Pro Bono Club to foster a stronger, more inclusive legal aid environment and empower students to become agents of change in society.

Department Name – School of Law 

Event Outcome 

The webinar proved to be a highly impactful and enriching experience for all participants, fostering a deeper understanding of the practical and policy-level dimensions of legal aid in India. It successfully enhanced awareness about the significance of access to justice as a constitutional and human right, particularly for marginalized and economically weaker sections of society. Dr. Kalpeshkumar L. Gupta’s insightful presentation shed light on the systemic challenges plaguing the legal aid framework, such as the lack of trained counsels, limited resources, and insufficient clinical legal education. His emphasis on integrating Clinical Legal Education (CLE) within law schools inspired students to view legal aid not merely as an academic requirement but as a platform for social transformation and professional growth.

The event motivated students to actively participate in legal aid activities, engage with local communities, and contribute meaningfully to the cause of justice through pro bono services. It also exposed them to innovative legal aid mechanisms like the Tele-Law initiative, the Legal Aid Defense Counsel Scheme, and the NALSA mobile application—demonstrating how technology can improve legal outreach and delivery. The interaction during the Q&A session further deepened student engagement and encouraged critical thinking on ways to reform and strengthen the legal aid system.

Related Goal