National Legal Services Day 2025: Theme, History, And How It Empowers Access To Justice

National Legal Services Day is observed on November 9 to celebrate the establishment of the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987. The act, however, came into force eight years later, on November 9, 1995,

which is why this date is celebrated every year. It is on this date that the statutory body, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was set up.

On this day, State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) set up camps to raise awareness among the masses about free legal aid available to them, across the nation. Below, we will look at this year’s theme, the history of the day, and its significance, especially how it empowers access to justice for everyone.

National Legal Services Day 2025 Theme

2025 marks the 30th anniversary of NALSA. To commemorate the occasion, NALSA has organised a National Photography and Art Showcase titled “Justice for All: Through the Lens of Legal Aid,” which serves as the theme for National Legal Services Day, 2025.

The nation-wide initiative is intended to shine the spotlight on the vital importance and need of free legal aid to ensure justice reaches to all, irrespective of their social or economic standing.

Photography, a powerful visual tool, is being used to highlight and sensitise people at large about the very real benefits of legal aid to those in distress.

Members of the legal, para-legal fraternity, students and the general public are invited to take part in the event and submit photographs, videos, as also paintings and sketches that showcase and highlight societal struggles, resilience in the face of odds and how legal aid empowers individuals and communities.

National Legal Services Day: History

National Legal Services Day was first celebrated when NALSA was established on November 9, 1995, by the Supreme Court of India. Later, in 1998, at the First Annual Meeting of the State Legal Services Authorities, the then Chief Justice of India, A.S. Anand made the call to celebrate this day, every year, thenceforth.

National Legal Services Day: Significance

The Constitution of India, as per Article 39A, provides equality access to justice for all. The NALSA was established on the very basis of this constitutional right. In light of the above, the National Legal Services Day becomes a significant event as it empowers people, especially those who are underprivileged, to get access to free and fair legal aid and justice.