[1][2][3] In many countries, pro bono legal service initiatives, such as mediation and legal services, are typically haphazard, closing due to lack of demand or being overwhelmed with clients.
[4] Alternate dispute resolution methods such as Lok Adalat, Mediation and free legal aid have been devised; however no special statutes have been enacted to streamline the process.
[5] India's National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was constituted under its provisions on 5 December 1995.
NALSA undertook activities including free legal aid and advice to the needy, disposal of cases through mediation and amicable settlement.
[6] It was a unique effort to minimize the pendency load (backlog) of Indian courts as well as to afford access to justice for needy litigants.