Getting basic legal help no longer requires a visit to a lawyer or government office.
On January 01, 2026, the Ministry of Law and Justice launched Nyaya Setu, a legal assistance service available on WhatsApp. The service allows citizens to access free legal information and guidance across areas such as civil law, criminal defence, corporate law, property matters, family disputes and matrimonial cases.
Announcing the launch on social media platform X, the ministry said, “Legal help is now just a message away! Nyaya Setu brings ‘Ease of Justice’ directly to your WhatsApp. Simply verify your mobile number to access a unified interface for legal advice and information. This smart navigation ensures that professional legal assistance is always swift and accessible for every citizen.”
Nyaya Setu works through a WhatsApp chatbot. Users need to send a message to 7217711814 on WhatsApp, where the service appears as Tele Law. After verifying the mobile number, users can interact with the chatbot, which uses artificial intelligence to understand legal questions and provide simplified legal information. The service is available 24 by 7 and is free for users across India.
Legal experts say the chatbot is designed to make legal guidance easier to access. It allows people to seek clarity on legal issues at any time without visiting a lawyer’s office. “The entire service is free and accessible across India regardless of your location,” said one legal professional.
The platform also connects users to panel lawyers for professional legal advice. It removes the need to visit a Common Service Centre or legal office for initial queries. The aim is to help citizens understand laws and government schemes without navigating complex websites. It also focuses on providing guidance before a case reaches court, helping people assess their rights and the strength of their case early.
Experts note that Nyaya Setu plays a facilitative role rather than offering direct legal advice. It helps users navigate the justice system and works alongside existing legal aid mechanisms such as Tele Law, Nyaya Bandhu and Legal Services Authorities. It also guides users on legal aid provisions, including Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. Any legal advice is provided by qualified legal professionals or statutory bodies, not by the platform itself. “Nyaya Setu therefore remains facilitative in nature, as an enabling layer within the justice system, rather than supplanting the institutional role of courts or legal practitioners.”
The service also covers matrimonial and divorce related matters. Users can seek information on divorce procedures, maintenance rights and custody laws. However, for court proceedings, professional legal representation through an advocate is still required. “Think of it as getting clarification on your legal position before deciding whether to pursue formal proceedings,” a legal expert said.
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