The Ministry of Law and Justice has officially ushered in a new era of “Justice at the Doorstep” with the National Consultation 2026 held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. At the heart of this digital transformation is the success of the DISHA Scheme (Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice) and the grand unveiling of the Nyaya Setu AI Chatbot by the Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan.
As of March 29, 2026, the Department of Justice has successfully integrated artificial intelligence into the Tele-Law ecosystem, ensuring that legal aid is no longer a privilege of the urban elite but a fundamental right accessible via a smartphone or a local Common Service Centre (CSC).
The Shift to Citizen-Centric Criminal Laws
During the consultation, the Vice President highlighted the historic transition to India’s new criminal laws. This shift marks a move away from colonial-era legal frameworks toward a system that is more efficient and centered on the rights of the citizen. The Nyaya Setu platform is designed to help the public navigate these new laws by simplifying legal procedures and improving transparency.
Data Table: Tele-Law & DISHA Progress (2025-2026)
| Metric | FY 2024-25 (Actuals) | FY 2025-26 (Provisional) | Growth % |
| Total Beneficiaries Reached | 7.8 Million | 10.5 Million | +34.6% |
| Active Nyaya Bandhu (Lawyers) | 12,500 | 18,200 | +45.6% |
| Nyaya Setu AI Query Resolution | N/A (Beta) | 92% Accuracy | New Launch |
| CSCs Providing Legal Services | 2.5 Lakh | 2.9 Lakh | +16% |
Knowledge Innovations: AI Chatbot, Mascot, and Comics
A major highlight of the event was the release of technology-driven products aimed at enhancing legal awareness:
- Nyaya Setu AI Chatbot: Developed as a digital bridge, this AI provides instant, user-friendly legal information and guides users through dispute resolution mechanisms.
- Nyaya Setu Mascot: A relatable symbol of justice delivery, conceptualized to build trust among rural and digitally underserved populations.
- NLU Delhi Comic Books: A series of legal awareness comics developed with National Law University, Delhi. These use engaging narratives to explain complex rights to youth and first-time legal users.
- Voice of Beneficiaries Booklet: A collection of real-life success stories showcasing the grassroots impact of the Tele-Law initiative.
Recommended Resource for Aspirants: To better understand the new legal framework, you may refer to the latestBare Act of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, an essential resource for those preparing for competitive exams like UPSC and State PSCs.
Understanding the DISHA Scheme
The DISHA Scheme (2021-2026) is the umbrella Central Sector Scheme implemented under the Access to Justice Division. It merges several key pillars:
- Tele-Law: Using video conferencing at CSCs to provide pre-litigation advice, reducing the burden on courts.
- Nyaya Bandhu: Encouraging pro-bono legal services by connecting practicing advocates with those in need.
- Linguistic Inclusion: The Vice President called for the Constitution and all legal consultations to be made available in local regional languages to ensure true participation.
“Quick Bite” Section (For UPSC/JPSC Revision)
- Event: National Consultation 2026 under DISHA Scheme.
- Chief Guest: Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan.
- Key Launch: Nyaya Setu AI Chatbot and Mascot.
- Academic Partner: National Law University (NLU), Delhi (for Comic Books).
- Article Reference: Article 39A of the Indian Constitution (Free Legal Aid).
The Source Line
Source: For the official press release and detailed statistics, refer to the Ministry of Law & Justice via PIB Release ID: 2246668 and 2246380.
FAQ Section (Schema Optimized)
Q1: What is the DISHA Scheme?
A: DISHA (Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice) is a Central Sector Scheme (2021-2026) aimed at providing tech-enabled legal services to marginalized communities across India.
Q2: How does the Nyaya Setu AI Chatbot assist citizens?
A: It acts as a digital bridge, providing instant legal information, helping users understand their rights, and facilitating access to Tele-Law services.
Q3: Who can access free legal advice via Tele-Law?
A: While open to all, the scheme prioritizes women, children, SC/ST communities, and individuals eligible for free legal aid under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Q4: What are the Nyaya Setu legal comic books?
A: These are legal literacy tools developed with NLU Delhi that simplify complex laws into easy-to-read stories for students and youth.
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