Legal Aid Services

Online Legal Aid Cell (OLAC)

For free legal opinion, conciliation and negotiation services

Dr. Vipin Malhotra, legal advisor has specialized in the area of disability rights and law. As a Delhi University professor, his knowledge in all aspects of law in general, and disability law in particular is keen and abiding. As a person with a visual impairment, he has a deep commitment towards developing a platform that enables all people with disability in India live in a fair and just environment.

Some common questions he reflects on…

Why do I need legal counsel?

Dr Malhotra: Conventionally, the only effective dispute settlement agency has been the judiciary and holds the same importance till date. Although judiciary’s intervention is (absolutely necessary) in certain cases, it is also possible to settle certain disputes with the timely intervention by any other independent party. It is a well known fact that although eventually Courts do help in dispute settlement, it is a time consuming and an expensive process. Recognizing the above problems, we offer you some alternative means of dispute resolution i.e., conciliation, negotiation etc, as the first step towards an amicable settlement.

In my experience, ADR methods have proved to be a very successful means of dispute settlement. We at the Disability India Network believe that if intervened at a right time a large number of disputes can be amicably settled and prevented from languishing in the Courts.

How does the process work?

Dr Malhotra: When a dispute arises, the first step in seeking a solution is to be able to understand the problem, its gravity and implications for the future.

The second step is to mentally consolidate one’s own position, write down the details of the entire case from the earliest point of its emergence and then contacting a legal expert for advice to explore the existing options to resolve the problem.

At OLAC, we review the details of the case and then suggest the best possible interventions that could be undertaken within the shortest period of time.

What kinds of cases are dealt with at OLAC?

Dr Malhotra: You may send us queries relating to any area of these areas:

  1. Employment – reservation, promotion, transfer, dismissal, pension, wages, salary
  2. Education – reservation in admission, integration, special schools
  3. Family Law – Marriage and related issues, custody, guardianship etc
  4. Property matters – partition, encroachment
  5. Money matters – debt recovery, cheating
  6. Consumer Laws
  7. Labour matters
  8. Motor vehicle accident matters

Or any other query where intervention from OLAC is requested.

What will I have to do to avail of this service?

Dr Malhotra: To avail the above services, you need to fill in the “Request for Counsel” form given below. Please sure that you fill in all the fields or we will not be able to respond to your queries.

We have also written out a few tips that will help you to effectively write down the details of the case.

Tips for effective reporting of the details of your case:

  • Present information in chronological order.
  • Try and give only relevant information – if your descriptions are too long then the focus is lost from the main issue and important details may not be recorded.
  • Focus on the problem – its gravity, how it has impacted your life, when it started, any personal request made, any third party intervention that may have taken place.
  • Draft the problem in a word file before you cut and paste it onto the form. Do not be in a hurry, be satisfied with what you have written – this will help us respond to you fast.
  • Confidentiality – All information that you share with LAP will be kept confidential. It will not be available for public viewing or shared in the public. Your names will not be disclosed to anybody.
  • However, should you permit us, we could make a summary of the case (removing all traces of identity) along with the solutions offered by LAP for the benefit of our readers.

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Click here to Request for Counsel

Legal Counseling Cell

For free legal opinion and counsel services, New Delhi

The Legal Counselling Cell provides free counseling sessions exclusively for persons with physical and mental disabilities, their care givers and service providers.

Frequently asked questions:

There is already an Online Legal Aid Cell, how is the Legal Counseling Cell different?

Dr. Vipin Malhotra: Legal Counseling cell is the part of our larger “Legal Aid” project, where we counsel, intervene in resolving cases through Alternative means such as conciliation, mediation, advocacy etc, and provide opinion on every aspect of law that has a bearing on the rights of the persons with disability. Further, if the dispute cannot be settled outside, we shall provide assistance in litigation.

The objective of the cell is to reach the above services to those people who:

  1. are not comfortable navigating the internet
  2. might not have easy access to internet
  3. have difficulty articulating their problems in English
  4. might have a difficulty filling our online form in English

When and what time does the cell run?

Dr. Vipin Malhotra: The above services are available at the Society for Child Development’s Office at Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi between 2 – 4 pm on every Monday and Thursday on prior appointment.

Kindly call 41727004 for appointment.
Call timings: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm – Monday to Friday

Watch this space for our Legal Counsel Services in other States as well.

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