Article 39A in Part IV of the Constitution guarantees free legal aid to all citizens of the country, irrespective of economic and other barriers. The twin aims of the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in our Constitution are to secure welfare and justice to all, through social and economic democracy.

Thus, despite the most heinous of offences committed, every Indian citizen is entitled to representation in court through legal aid. Although Part IV does not trigger enforceable rights, free legal aid has been upheld by the Supreme Court as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.