New Delhi: In a key move to digitise justice and reach the 'last mile,' the Ministry of Law and Justice has officially launched Nyaya Setu, a free legal assistance service integrated directly into WhatsApp.
Announced on January 1, 2026, the initiative aims to dismantle the barriers of complex legal jargon and expensive consultations by providing 24/7 AI-powered guidance to every Indian citizen.
What Is Nyaya Setu?
Nyaya Setu (meaning 'Justice Bridge') is an AI-driven chatbot designed to provide unified legal information and advice. While the platform was initially introduced as a digital portal in late 2024 to assist investigators, its new WhatsApp integration focuses on the common citizen.
The service acts as a primary point of contact for individuals facing legal hurdles in areas such as:
- Family & Matrimonial Issues: Divorce procedures, alimony, and child custody.
- Domestic Violence: Protection rights and immediate support mechanisms.
- Property & Civil Law: Guidance on land disputes and tenant rights.
- Criminal & Corporate Matters: Preliminary advice on FIRs and business compliance.
By leveraging WhatsApp, a platform used by over 50 crore Indians, the government intends to bridge the gap between rural citizens and legal experts without the need for physical visits to a Common Service Centre (CSC).
How To Use The Service
Accessing professional legal guidance has been simplified into four basic steps:
1. Save the Number: Add +91 7217711814 to your smartphone contacts. It will appear on WhatsApp under the name "Tele-Law."
2. Initiate Chat: Send a simple "Hi" to the number to trigger the AI chatbot.
3. Verify Identity: The bot will request a one-time mobile number verification to ensure secure and personalized communication.
4. Select Service: Users can choose between "Legal Information" (general rights), "Legal Advice" (specific queries), or "Legal Assistance" (connecting with a human lawyer).
Bridging The Gap To Professional Help
While the chatbot uses AI to simplify legal concepts, it is not a replacement for a court of law. For complex cases, Nyaya Setu functions as a gateway to the Tele-Law and Nyaya Bandhu programs. If the AI determines a case requires professional intervention, it can facilitate a connection with a panel of pro-bono (free) or registered lawyers for a deeper consultation.
The Ministry emphasized that this 'Ease of Justice' initiative is part of the larger Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman campaign, ensuring that no citizen is denied justice due to a lack of awareness or financial means.
