The Directive Principle of State Policy which directs the State to secure that the operation of the legal system promotes justice and to provide free legal aid to those who cannot afford it is:

Article 39A, inserted by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, directs the State to secure that the operation of the legal system promotes justice on a basis of equal opportunity, and in particular to provide free legal aid, by suitable legislation or schemes, so that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disability. The directive is implemented through the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987, which establishes NALSA, State and District Legal Services Authorities and Lok Adalats. Article 38 directs the State to promote the welfare of the people, Art 44 provides for a Uniform Civil Code, Art 43 concerns living wages, and Art 41 deals with the right to work, education and public assistance. Free legal aid to the poor is the subject of Art 39A.