Once Free legal aid application submitted do we need to visit India?

704 votes

You need not visit anywhere. You can always appoint your counsel through the vakalatnama who will represent you in the court. And as far as your physical presence is concerned it can be through video conferencing. For more legal assistance I am just a call away.

Advocate Jitender Singh LawRato

607 votes

the best advice in this case will be to hire a lawyer first and ask him/her to coordinate with the people here in dlsa. though you are not required to be present physically to submit any documents because the honourable lawyer can take care of that.

LawRato LawRato

731 votes

You should resubmit the missing Aadhaar and photo as advised by DLSA-West, since without completing formalities your application will not proceed. Strong evidence helps at trial, but procedure must be followed first. Free legal aid lawyers are competent and appointed by the Legal Services Authority. If you are abroad, you can execute and attest a Vakalatnama at the Indian Embassy/Consulate and send it to the lawyer in India. They can guide you on whether a scanned copy will suffice initially, with the original to follow. No need to travel to India only for this step.

LawRato LawRato

591 votes

I have reviewed your query regarding the pending application for free legal aid with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA-West). Please note the following: Submission of Aadhaar & Photograph Your application remains incomplete as the Aadhaar card and recent photograph were not enclosed. The DLSA has advised personal submission, but you may request whether they can accept embassy-attested copies sent by courier/post from the UAE. This is often permissible when an applicant is residing abroad. Possibility of Rejection The DLSA will not reject your application based on the merits of your case or the strength of your evidence. Rejection usually occurs only if (a) the required documents remain incomplete, or (b) the case falls outside the purview of legal aid. Even in the unlikely event of rejection, you retain the right to engage private counsel and proceed independently. Competence of Legal Aid Lawyers The panel advocates of DLSA are enrolled lawyers with relevant experience. While quality may vary, you are entitled to seek a change of counsel if you find the representation unsatisfactory. Execution of Vakalatnama Since your family cannot represent you, you may execute the Vakalatnama before the Indian Embassy in the UAE. The Embassy will attest your signature. The original Vakalatnama must then be couriered to India for submission before the Court. A scanned copy can be emailed to your assigned lawyer for immediate preparation, but the physical original must reach before the first effective hearing. Next Steps: Please contact DLSA-West by email/phone to confirm acceptance of embassy-attested documents by courier. Arrange execution and attestation of the Vakalatnama at the Indian Embassy and dispatch it to your lawyer in India. Remain in touch with your lawyer for updates and further instructions.

Advocate Bhawna Khanna LawRato

660 votes

You can certainly resubmit your Aadhar and photo to DLSA as they are mandatory for processing the application. Once accepted, you will be allotted a lawyer, but please note that the quality of free legal aid varies, and it may not always ensure proper representation in complex matters. Sending a Vakalatnama from the Indian Embassy is legally valid, but the further process of filing and follow-up requires careful handling in India. Since you already have documentary evidence, it is important to ensure it is presented in the correct legal manner. I can guide you with the right approach, documentation and post-application steps to avoid rejection and protect your rights effectively. You may contact me for detailed information

Advocate Drishti Mittal LawRato