India is expanding the use of digital platforms to improve access to legal services through its Tele-Law initiative. Addressing the National Consultation 2026 on the programme in New Delhi on 29 March 2026, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan highlighted the importance of accessible, affordable and timely justice for all citizens. The consultation, organised by the Ministry of Law and Justice, explored how technology-enabled solutions can strengthen legal access, reduce barriers for underserved communities and support a more citizen-focused justice system.
According to an official government release, the Vice President said that ensuring access to justice is fundamental to a functioning democracy. He noted that the national consultation reflects a collective commitment to making justice a universal right rather than a privilege available only to a few.
Technology Supporting Legal Access
The Tele-Law initiative connects citizens with legal advice through digital platforms, including Common Service Centres across the country. By enabling pre-litigation legal consultation, the programme aims to resolve disputes earlier, reduce unnecessary court cases and ease pressure on the judicial system.
The Vice President highlighted how digital tools have already transformed public service delivery in areas such as direct benefit transfers and telemedicine. Similar technology-enabled approaches, he said, can help democratise legal services and extend professional legal advice to citizens who may otherwise struggle to access it.
India has been expanding digital initiatives to strengthen governance and public services. Broader efforts to improve digital access and participation have also been highlighted in initiatives aimed at expanding connectivity and economic opportunity, as explored in India’s wider digital inclusion and entrepreneurial growth programmes.
Focus on Inclusion and Local Language Access
A central theme of the consultation was ensuring that legal services reach citizens in rural and marginalised communities. The Vice President emphasised the need for legal consultations in regional languages to improve understanding and participation, noting ongoing efforts to make the Constitution of India available in multiple languages.
He also acknowledged the contributions of paralegal volunteers, panel lawyers, Common Service Centres and other grassroots stakeholders who support the delivery of Tele-Law services. Their work, he said, plays an important role in extending legal awareness and assistance to communities that may otherwise remain underserved.
AI Tools Introduced to Support Legal Guidance
During the event, several knowledge products and technology-driven tools designed to strengthen legal awareness and service delivery were unveiled. These included the 2025–26 edition of the “Voices of Beneficiaries” booklet, which documents personal stories of individuals who have benefited from Tele-Law services.
An artificial intelligence-powered chatbot called Nyaya Setu was also launched. Designed to act as a digital bridge between citizens and legal services, the chatbot aims to guide users towards relevant legal information and assistance. The launch reflects a broader trend of applying digital technologies to justice systems, similar to other initiatives examining how digital technology can strengthen cybersecurity and justice frameworks in India.
A Nyaya Setu mascot was introduced alongside the chatbot to promote public engagement and raise awareness about legal rights and services, particularly among rural and digitally underserved populations.
The event also saw the launch of a series of legal awareness comic books developed in collaboration with the National Law University, Delhi. These materials aim to communicate legal concepts in accessible formats for wider public understanding.
The consultation was attended by Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, along with representatives from legal institutions, technology partners and public service organisations.
