Chief Justice of India-designate Justice U.U. Lalit on Sunday said over 70% of the population is below the poverty line but only 12% of them opt for legal aid.

Justice Lalit, who is the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority, said this while formally launching the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) system. He said the legal aid system had increased its reach over the years, but the poor were still bled dry by litigation, especially in criminal cases.

“Over 70% population is below poverty line but only 12% opt for legal aid. What does the population between 12% to 70% do? They are forced to opt for private lawyers. Litigation is like a bleeding wound — the more you let it bleed, the more the man will suffer,” he said.

Litigation is like a bleeding wound- the more you let it bleed, the more the man will suffer

Justice Lalit

Chief Justice of India-designate

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