Nyaya Bandhu App 2025: The Nyaya Bandhu App might just be your new best friend. Launched by the Department of Justice under India’s Ministry of Law and Justice, this app is all about making legal help accessible to everyone, especially those who can’t shell out big bucks for it. Think of it like a bridge connecting people in need with volunteer lawyers who offer their expertise for free or at a minimal cost. With over 14,888 women registered for legal aid by June 2025 and 9,261 advocates signed up to help, this app is gaining serious traction.
What’s the Nyaya Bandhu App All About?
Picture this: you’re facing a legal issue—maybe a property dispute, a family matter, or something workplace-related—but hiring a lawyer feels like a pipe dream. The Nyaya Bandhu App, part of the Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) program launched in 2017, steps in to help. It’s a mobile app (available on iOS, Android, and the UMANG platform) that connects people who need legal help (called “Applicants”) with volunteer lawyers (called “Pro Bono Advocates”) who offer their services for free or at a low cost. The idea is simple: justice shouldn’t be a luxury, and this app makes sure it’s not.
The app is a key part of the Department of Justice’s “Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice” (DISHA) scheme. It’s designed to help marginalized groups—think women, low-income families, Scheduled Castes/Tribes, and rural communities—who often struggle to access legal aid. By July 2025, the app has already helped thousands, with 14,888 women alone seeking assistance for issues like domestic violence, matrimonial disputes, and workplace harassment. It’s available in Hindi, English, and 22 scheduled Indian languages, making it super inclusive. Plus, a new chatbot feature added in 2025 makes it even easier to navigate. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote village, Nyaya Bandhu is your go-to for free legal support.
Who’s Eligible to Use the Nyaya Bandhu App?
Before you download the app and start exploring, let’s make sure you qualify for its services. The Nyaya Bandhu App is designed for those who can’t afford legal help, as outlined under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. Here’s who can apply for free legal aid:
- Women: Any woman seeking legal help, regardless of income, is eligible. This includes issues like domestic violence, family disputes, or workplace harassment.
- Children: Anyone under 18 years old needing legal assistance.
- Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST): Members of these communities qualify automatically.
- Low-Income Individuals: Anyone with an annual income below ₹1 lakh (or as per state-specific limits) qualifies. For example, in Delhi, the income ceiling is ₹1 lakh per year.
- Victims of Trafficking or Forced Labor: Those affected by human trafficking or bonded labor.
- Persons with Disabilities: Individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
- Victims of Disasters or Violence: People impacted by natural disasters, ethnic violence, or caste atrocities.
- Persons in Custody: Those in jail or under trial who can’t afford legal representation.
- Other Marginalized Groups: Includes industrial workers, elderly individuals, or anyone unable to access legal aid due to financial or social barriers.
To use the app, you need to register as an Applicant and provide basic details like your name, contact info, and proof of eligibility (e.g., income certificate, caste certificate, or Aadhaar card). If you don’t fall under these categories, you can still use the app to connect with advocates, but you may need to pay a minimal fee for services, depending on the lawyer’s terms.
Dates for Nyaya Bandhu App 2025
Unlike schemes with fixed payment dates, the Nyaya Bandhu App operates year-round, as legal issues don’t follow a calendar. However, there are key milestones and updates to know for 2025, based on recent web updates and program developments:
| Event | Tentative Date |
| Nyaya Bandhu Program Launch | April 2017 |
| App Integration with UMANG | November 2020 |
| Chatbot Feature Added | January 2025 |
| Ongoing Applicant Registration | Throughout 2025 |
| Ongoing Advocate Registration | Throughout 2025 |
| Tele-Law Integration Enhanced | March 2025 |
| Community Outreach Expansion | June–December 2025 |
These dates are based on the program’s history and updates from sources like prokerala.com and pib.gov.in. The app is active 24/7, so you can register, seek help, or check case status anytime. Check probono-doj.in or the app for the latest features and outreach events in 2025.
Payment Details: Is There a Cost?
Here’s the best part: the Nyaya Bandhu App is free for eligible Applicants under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. If you qualify (e.g., low-income, SC/ST, women, etc.), you pay nothing for legal advice or representation from Pro Bono Advocates. The Department of Justice covers the operational costs, so volunteer lawyers provide their services at no charge to you.
For those who don’t qualify under Section 12, you can still connect with advocates through the app, but you may need to pay a minimal fee, depending on the lawyer’s terms. These fees are typically much lower than standard legal rates, as the app encourages affordable services. There are no fixed “payment amounts” or “payment dates” for Applicants, as the service is pro bono for most users. Advocates don’t receive payments from the government either—they volunteer out of a commitment to public good.
For example, if you’re a woman seeking help with a domestic violence case, you’ll likely get free advice. If you’re above the income limit and seeking help for a property dispute, the advocate might charge a small fee, which you’ll discuss upfront. The app’s transparency ensures you know any costs before proceeding.
How to Use the Nyaya Bandhu App: Step-by-Step Procedure
Ready to get started? The Nyaya Bandhu App is user-friendly, even if you’re not tech-savvy. Here’s how to use it, step by step, like a roadmap to legal help:
Step 1: Download the App
Grab the Nyaya Bandhu App from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or UMANG platform (available at web.umang.gov.in). It’s free to download and works on most smartphones. Alternatively, visit probono-doj.in for web access.
Step 2: Register as an Applicant
- Open the app and select “Register as Applicant.”
- Enter your details: name, mobile number, email (optional), and address.
- Choose your eligibility category (e.g., woman, SC/ST, low-income) and upload proof (e.g., Aadhaar card, income certificate, or caste certificate) in JPG/PDF format (under 200 KB).
- Verify your mobile number with an OTP.
- Create a password and save your login credentials.
Step 3: Describe Your Legal Issue
Once registered, log in and submit a request:
- Select the type of legal issue (e.g., family dispute, domestic violence, property issue, or criminal case).
- Provide a brief description of your case (e.g., “I need help with a divorce case” or “Facing workplace harassment”).
- Specify your preferred language for communication (Hindi, English, or one of 22 scheduled languages).
Step 4: Connect with an Advocate
The app matches you with a Pro Bono Advocate based on your location, language, and case type. You’ll get a notification with the advocate’s details (name, contact, and Bar Council registration). You can:
- Chat with the advocate via the app’s messaging feature.
- Schedule a call or video consultation (new in 2025).
- Use the chatbot for instant guidance on next steps.
Step 5: Track Your Case
After connecting with an advocate, use the app to:
- Check case status (pending, ongoing, completed, or rejected).
- View updates on court dates or legal advice provided.
- Upload additional documents if requested by the advocate.
Step 6: Seek Pre-Litigation Advice (Optional)
The app is integrated with the Tele-Law program, which offers pre-litigation advice through panel lawyers at Common Service Centres (CSCs). Call the toll-free helpline (14454) or visit a CSC to discuss your issue before escalating to court. This is great for resolving disputes without lengthy legal battles.
Step 7: Provide Feedback
After your case is resolved, rate the advocate’s services on the app. This helps improve the platform and ensures quality legal aid for others.
Pro tip: keep your documents ready (Aadhaar, income proof, etc.) before registering to speed up the process. If you’re in a rural area, visit a CSC for help with registration.
Expected Reach and Impact in 2025
By June 2025, the Nyaya Bandhu App had 14,888 women registered for legal aid, with 9,261 advocates volunteering nationwide. The Department of Justice aims to expand outreach in 2025 through:
- Community Programs: Pro Bono Clubs (PBCs) in law schools will conduct legal awareness camps in villages, targeting rural beneficiaries.
- Tele-Law Integration: Enhanced integration with Tele-Law in March 2025 will connect more users to pre-litigation advice via CSCs and the 14454 helpline.
- Multilingual Support: The app’s availability in 22 scheduled languages ensures inclusivity for non-Hindi/English speakers.
- Chatbot Enhancements: The 2025 chatbot feature provides instant answers to common legal queries, reducing wait times.
Why the Nyaya Bandhu App is a Game-Changer
You might be wondering if this app is worth your time. Here’s why it’s a big deal:
- Free Legal Aid: Eligible users get pro bono services at no cost, saving thousands compared to private lawyers.
- Accessibility: Available in 22 languages and integrated with CSCs, it reaches urban and rural users alike.
- Empowerment: Women, SC/ST communities, and low-income groups gain a voice in the legal system.
- Volunteer Advocates: Lawyers benefit too, gaining experience, networks, and the satisfaction of helping others.
- Tech-Driven: The app’s chatbot, case tracking, and Tele-Law integration make legal help fast and easy.
