Many people avoid seeking legal advice because they are unsure where to begin, cannot afford private legal assistance or find the legal system difficult to understand. To improve access to justice, the Government of India has introduced DISHA 2.0, a programme designed to expand technology-enabled legal services and awareness across the country.

The initiative has an approved outlay of ₹255 crore for 2026–2031. It aims to help citizens understand their legal rights, access pre-litigation advice and explore available legal assistance through digital platforms and community-level services.

What Is DISHA 2.0?

DISHA stands for Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice. The programme brings together several initiatives intended to make legal services more accessible, particularly for people who may struggle to navigate the legal system.

According to the Ministry of Law and Justice, DISHA 2.0 includes four key components:

• Tele-Law: Access to pre-litigation legal advice through digital channels.

• Nyaya Bandhu: A programme connecting eligible people with pro bono legal services.

• Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness: Activities to help citizens understand their rights and legal procedures.

• VIDHI Sanjeevani: An initiative aimed at expanding access to legal information and services.

The programme uses technology and public outreach to make legal support easier to access before disputes become more complicated.

How Can You Get Free Legal Advice?

One of the most useful components is Tele-Law, which connects citizens with panel lawyers for advice on legal issues before a case reaches court.

People can access the service through the official Tele-Law platform or by visiting a participating Common Service Centre (CSC), where assistance may be available for accessing the service.

The government lists the Tele-Law toll-free number as 14454. Citizens can use this channel to enquire about accessing pre-litigation legal advice.

Official website: https://tele-law.in/

What Legal Issues Can You Ask About?

Depending on the service and the nature of the issue, legal consultations may help people understand matters such as:

• Property and family disputes

• Consumer complaints

• Employment-related concerns

• Government benefits and entitlements

• Legal notices and documentation

• The appropriate procedure for resolving a dispute

The exact assistance available depends on the matter and the service provider. Tele-Law advice does not automatically mean that a lawyer will represent the person in court.

What Is Nyaya Bandhu?

Nyaya Bandhu is the government’s pro bono legal services programme. It aims to connect people who need legal assistance with lawyers willing to provide services without charging professional fees, subject to the programme’s arrangements and applicable conditions.

People seeking court representation should also check whether they qualify for legal aid through the relevant Legal Services Authority. Eligibility for formal legal aid is governed by separate legal provisions.

Official website: https://nalsa.gov.in/

Can You Access These Services Online?

Yes. DISHA 2.0 seeks to improve access through digital platforms, mobile-based services and Common Service Centres.

The government has also developed Nyaya Setu, a multilingual AI-powered legal information chatbot that can help users understand legal processes and possible next steps through voice and text interactions in 22 Indian languages.

However, AI-generated information should not be treated as a substitute for advice from a qualified lawyer, especially in complex cases or where strict legal deadlines apply.

Who Should Consider Using These Services?

These services may be particularly useful for people who need help understanding a legal problem before deciding what to do next. They can also help people in rural and underserved areas explore legal support without immediately travelling to a major city.

Before sharing documents or personal information online, citizens should verify that they are using an official government platform or an authorised service centre.

Why Is DISHA 2.0 Important?

Access to justice depends not only on the availability of courts but also on whether people understand their rights and know where to seek help.

By combining legal awareness, digital consultation and pro bono services, DISHA 2.0 aims to make the first steps towards resolving a legal problem easier for citizens.

If you need help with a legal issue, consider contacting Tele-Law or your local Legal Services Authority to understand the options available to you.