This document provides a summary of 3 key points about legal aid in India: 1. The history of legal aid in India dates back to 1951 when the Supreme Court stated that denying access to justice due to poverty negates a fair trial. Article 39A of the Constitution obligates the State to provide free legal aid. 2. The Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987 was passed to fulfill the constitutional mandate of providing free legal aid. It defines those eligible for free legal aid as members of scheduled castes/tribes, women, children, disabled people, victims of disasters or violence, industrial workers, those in custody or with an income less than 50,000 rupees. 3. The Supreme