INDIA: Free legal aid to senior citizens and more beneficiaries

. NEW DELHI, India / Press Trust of India / July 9, 2009 The government plans to include senior citizens, family members of armed forces and para military personnel killed in action under the ambit of the National Legal Services Authority for provision of free legal aid, the Lok Sabha was informed today. Law Minister M Veerappa Moily said the Department of Legal Affairs proposes to enlarge the list of beneficiaries in the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 by also including victims of terrorist violence and riots. "The matter is under process," he said in a written reply. Funds are allocated to National Legal Services Authority to provide free legal aid to call categories covered under the Act. Every person whose annual income is less than Rs 50,000 is eligible for getting free legal services in cases before the Supreme Court, High Courts and other subordinate courts. [rc] © PTI 2009