NALSA (Legal Services to the Mentally Ill and Mentally Disabled Persons) Scheme, 2015

The NALSA (Legal Services to the Mentally Ill and Mentally Disabled Persons) Scheme, 2015 was developed to ensure that individuals with mental illness or intellectual disabilities are not excluded from the justice system. Recognizing the stigma, neglect, and legal invisibility often faced by this group, the scheme aims to provide proactive, rights-based legal support. It builds on India’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and aligns with domestic laws like the Mental Health Act, 1987 and the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995. The scheme emphasizes dignity, non-discrimination, and equal access to justice, while also addressing the need for informed consent, protection from abuse, and access to treatment.

Beneficiary:

The scheme primarily serves persons with mental illness and persons with intellectual disabilities, including those in psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes, shelter homes, or jails. It also supports caregivers, legal aid providers, and judicial officers by offering training and guidelines to ensure sensitive and effective legal assistance.

Benefits:

Key benefits include: Free legal aid and representation in civil, criminal, and administrative matters. Legal literacy and awareness tailored to the cognitive needs of beneficiaries. Regular visits by legal aid teams to psychiatric institutions and jails to identify and assist eligible individuals. Protection from abuse and exploitation, especially for women and children. Assistance in accessing treatment, identity documents, and welfare entitlements. Monitoring and reporting mechanisms to ensure compliance with Supreme Court directives, particularly in cases involving illegal detention or denial of treatment.