Govt Approves DISHA 2.0 with ₹255 Cr Outlay, Introduces AI-Powered Legal Assistance Platform
The revamped justice-access programme will leverage artificial intelligence, multilingual digital tools and grassroots legal networks to reach three crore citizens, bringing legal assistance closer to underserved communities nationwide.
With the integration of artificial intelligence, multilingual legal assistance and real-time monitoring systems, DISHA 2.0 represents one of the most significant technology-enabled justice initiatives undertaken by the Government of India.
New Delhi: The Ministry of Law and Justice has approved the continuation and expansion of the Central Sector Scheme Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice (DISHA) as DISHA 2.0, with a total financial outlay of ₹255 crore for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31.
The revamped scheme, approved by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, aims to strengthen access to justice through a combination of legal aid services, technology-enabled platforms, legal awareness programmes and pro-bono legal support. The scheme will be fully funded by the Government of India and implemented across all states and union territories.
A key highlight of DISHA 2.0 is the introduction of VIDHI-Sanjeevani (Vision for Integrated Delivery of Harmonized Legal Initiatives), a new technology-driven component designed to transform the delivery of legal services through digital innovation and data-driven governance.
At the heart of the new initiative will be a centralized digital platform featuring an integrated dashboard for real-time programme monitoring and an AI-powered multilingual chatbot named Nyaya Setu, developed in partnership with the Government’s BHASHINI language technology platform. The chatbot will help citizens access legal information, resolve basic legal queries and connect with relevant justice delivery mechanisms in their preferred language.
The Department of Justice said DISHA 2.0 seeks to fulfill the constitutional promise of equal access to justice and aligns with India’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice and strong institutions.
Four Pillars of DISHA 2.0
The scheme will operate through four integrated components:
Tele-Law will continue to provide free pre-litigation legal advice through a network of 2.5 lakh Common Service Centres spread across 784 districts, including aspirational districts and blocks. The platform will be upgraded with artificial intelligence capabilities, multilingual support and enhanced digital infrastructure.
Nyaya Bandhu will expand the country’s pro-bono legal services ecosystem by engaging advocates and law students to provide free legal assistance and court representation to eligible beneficiaries under the Legal Services Authorities Act.
Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness Programme (LLLAP) will focus on increasing legal awareness through collaborations with ministries, public sector enterprises, civil society organizations, universities and media institutions. Both online and offline campaigns will be undertaken to improve citizens’ understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities.
The newly introduced VIDHI-Sanjeevani component will serve as the digital backbone of the entire programme, integrating data from all components to support monitoring, analytics and policy decision-making.
Building on Earlier Success
The previous DISHA programme, implemented between 2021 and 2026 with an outlay of ₹250 crore, recorded significant outreach achievements. According to the Department of Justice, the scheme reached more than 2.37 crore beneficiaries as of May 2026.
This included over 1.13 crore pre-litigation legal consultations under Tele-Law, a network of more than 10,600 registered pro-bono advocates and 109 Pro-Bono Clubs established across 31 states and union territories. The Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness Programme alone reached more than 1.24 crore beneficiaries during the period.
Towards Ease of Justice
Officials said DISHA 2.0 reflects the government’s broader vision that access to justice must become as seamless and accessible as other public services. The initiative aligns with the national objective of creating an inclusive justice ecosystem where economic, geographic or social barriers do not prevent citizens from accessing legal support.
The scheme has set an ambitious target of reaching three crore beneficiaries over the next five years through its combined network of digital platforms, legal aid services, awareness campaigns and grassroots outreach programmes.
With the integration of artificial intelligence, multilingual legal assistance and real-time monitoring systems, DISHA 2.0 represents one of the most significant technology-enabled justice initiatives undertaken by the Government of India, aiming to make legal support more accessible, affordable and citizen-centric.
