Legal aid services see settlements in Nagaland amid LADC scheme discontinuation

The Nagaland Legal Services Authority (NLSA) has settled 977 out of 1,339 cases through three Lok Adalats conducted across the state in 2026. These settlements totaled approximately Rs. 9.84 crore. The legal aid services, which are provided free of cost to economically weaker sections, utilize the Legal Aid Defence Council (LADC) model, which employs lawyers on a contractual basis across 11 districts.

Separately, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has decided to discontinue the LADC Scheme in certain regions, including Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, effective September 2026. The decision to not renew LADC contracts is reportedly based on concerns that the scheme threatens the livelihoods of young lawyers. Critics argue that the scheme, which was introduced in 2022 to improve representation for prisoners and undertrials, should be judged by its service to beneficiaries rather than its impact on legal professional opportunities.