Tele-Law regional workshop under DISHA scheme held in Chennai; 12,560 CSCs in Tamil Nadu offer pre-litigation advice
The Department of Justice held a regional workshop on the Tele-Law programme under the DISHA scheme in Chennai on 14 March 2026, where 12,560 Common Service Centres in Tamil Nadu provide pre-litigation legal services.
Summary
The Tele-Law programme of the Department of Justice, run under the Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice (DISHA) scheme, was reviewed at a regional workshop at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai, on 14 March 2026. Tamil Nadu Governor R. V. Arlekar, Madras High Court Chief Justice S. A. Dharmadhikari and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal attended. In Tamil Nadu, 12,560 Common Service Centres across 38 districts and 16 aspirational blocks deliver pre-litigation legal services, and the toll-free helpline 14454 offers pro bono legal help. Chief Justice Dharmadhikari said access to justice is a constitutional obligation rooted in Articles 14, 21 and 39A, and described DISHA as a 'legal first-aid kit' that moves the country from legal aid towards legal empowerment.
Key facts
- Date / place
- 14 March 2026, Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai
- Scheme
- DISHA – Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice (Department of Justice)
- Tamil Nadu reach
- 12,560 CSCs, 38 districts, 16 aspirational blocks
- Helpline
- 14454 (toll-free, pro bono)
- Constitutional basis cited
- Articles 14, 21 and 39A
- Related
- Nyaya Bandhu (pro bono legal services)
Practice MCQs 2 questions
What is the toll-free helpline number for pro bono legal services highlighted at the Tele-Law workshop in Chennai on 14 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 14454
The toll-free helpline 14454 offers pro bono legal services under the Tele-Law programme.
Consider the following about the Tele-Law programme discussed in Chennai on 14 March 2026: 1. It is run under the DISHA (Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice) scheme of the Department of Justice. 2. Article 39A of the Constitution, cited at the workshop, deals with equal justice and free legal aid. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Tele-Law is a DISHA programme of the Department of Justice, and the Madras High Court Chief Justice cited Articles 14, 21 and 39A — Article 39A being the Directive Principle on equal justice and free legal aid.