Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India - The Constitution of India 2024 (English Version)↗
Primary official reference for article number, heading, part placement, and current constitutional structure.
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Article 39A: Equal justice and free legal aid
Directs the State to ensure equal justice and provide free legal aid so economic or other disabilities do not deny justice.
Part IVactive · inserted by amendment
In this article
What it means
Plain-language explanation
Where you notice it
Daily civic life
How it protects you
Citizen protection
What to remember
Exam and recall pointers
What it means
Simple explanation
Article 39A is the constitutional policy foundation for free legal aid and access to justice.
Practical daily-life use
Where citizens notice it
- Relevant when someone cannot afford legal representation.
- Supports legal services authorities and access-to-justice programmes.
How it protects you
Citizen protection context
- Promotes justice regardless of economic status.
- Encourages systems that help vulnerable people access courts.
Example situations
General civic examples
- An undertrial seeks legal aid.
- A low-income person needs help in a legal services clinic.
Citizen note
Learning note
Free legal aid is implemented through laws and institutions; eligibility should be checked with current legal services rules.
Exam pointers
What to remember
- Article 39A was inserted by the 42nd Amendment.
- It links equality with access to justice.
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Source references
Verification basis
Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India - Constitution Amendment Acts↗
Official amendment reference used where an article was inserted, altered, or given its present constitutional position by amendment.
Last reviewed against official sources: 2026-05-20.