No Money for a Lawyer? Nepal’s New Bill Plans Free Legal Support From Advice to Court
Nepal has introduced the Free Legal Aid Bill, 2083, proposing free legal assistance for disadvantaged citizens from initial legal advice to court proceedings and implementation of decisions. Presented by Law Minister Sobita Gautam, the bill aims to create a wider legal aid system covering courts, judicial bodies and vulnerable groups.
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Kathmandu, September 24, 2026
Government Proposes Free Legal Help for Those Unable to Afford It
The Free Legal Aid Bill, 2083 was presented at the House of Representatives in Kathmandu by Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobita Gautam to expand access to legal services for people who cannot afford legal support. The bill has been introduced to implement the right to justice guaranteed under Article 20 of the Constitution of Nepal and to strengthen the legal aid system based on the Integrated Legal Aid Policy, 2076.
Free Support From Legal Advice to Final Court Decision
The proposed bill aims to expand free legal assistance beyond only providing lawyers during court cases. Under the bill, eligible citizens would receive support from the beginning stage of a legal issue, including legal consultation, advice, case preparation, court hearings, representation, and assistance during the implementation of court decisions.
The bill also proposes extending free legal services to all courts, judicial bodies and quasi-judicial bodies, allowing eligible citizens to receive legal support in different types of legal matters.
Who Could Receive Free Legal Aid?
The bill proposes widening the group of people who can receive government-supported legal assistance.
It includes:
Economically disadvantaged citizens
Children
Senior citizens
Persons with disabilities
Helpless and vulnerable individuals
Women facing discrimination or violence
Dalits, indigenous communities and marginalized groups
Conflict victims
People who cannot afford legal representation in criminal cases
The proposal also states that individuals arrested in criminal cases who cannot afford a lawyer would be able to receive free legal assistance from the time of arrest.
Special Protection for Vulnerable Groups
The proposed law includes additional support measures for people who may face difficulties accessing legal services.
For individuals with hearing, speech or communication disabilities, legal assistance would be provided through sign language or other suitable communication methods.
The bill also allows the provision of psychosocial counselling services when required during the legal aid process.
New Legal Aid System Under Proposal
The bill proposes creating a structured legal aid system involving federal, provincial and local governments.
It includes provisions for:
National Legal Aid Council
Executive committee
Provincial legal aid committees
District legal aid committees
The government also plans to develop an electronic system for free legal aid services to make applications and service delivery easier and more organized.
Online Applications and Expert Legal Support
Under the proposed system, people seeking free legal aid would be able to apply through local governments, district legal aid committees or digital platforms.
The bill also allows eligible individuals to receive assistance from specialized lawyers in complex cases where expert legal knowledge is needed.
Encouraging Lawyers to Provide Free Services
The proposed law encourages lawyers to provide pro bono legal services, meaning legal support without charging fees.
Organizations interested in providing free legal assistance would also be allowed to register with district legal aid committees and contribute to the legal aid system.
Government Estimates Rs. 136.76 Million Annual Cost
The implementation of the proposed legal aid system will require additional government resources.
According to reports, the government has estimated around Rs. 136.76 million (around Rs. 13.67 crore) annually for operating the system, including costs related to legal aid offices, staff, and administrative activities.
Why This Bill Matters
Many people struggle to seek justice because of high legal costs, lack of legal information, or limited access to lawyers.
The government says the proposed bill aims to ensure that financial difficulties do not prevent eligible citizens from protecting their rights and accessing justice.
The bill is currently under the parliamentary process and will require further discussions and approval before becoming law.
https://hr.parliament.gov.np/uploads/attachments/fcprsga347tgsdu8.pdf
Published 1 hour ago in Nepal