Assessing the Role of the District Legal Services Authority in Promoting Legal Empowerment: A Social Work Study of Jalgaon District

Abstract

Legal empowerment is an essential component of social justice and inclusive development. The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 was enacted to ensure that free and competent legal services are available to economically and socially disadvantaged sections of society and that equal access to justice is guaranteed. The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) plays a crucial role in promoting legal literacy, organizing Lok Adalats, providing free legal aid, and creating awareness of constitutional and legal rights. This review-based study examines the role of the District Legal Services Authority in promoting legal empowerment from a social work perspective with special reference to Jalgaon District. The study is based on secondary data collected from books, government reports, research articles, and publications issued by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). The review suggests that legal literacy programmes, legal aid clinics, awareness camps, and Lok Adalats contribute significantly to improving access to justice, particularly among women, children, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and economically weaker sections. The paper concludes that stronger community participation and social work interventions can further enhance legal empowerment and access to justice.