the Ministry of Law and Justice introduced Nyaya Setu, a WhatsApp-based legal support service designed to bring free legal awareness

Starting 1 January 2026, the Ministry of Law and Justice introduced Nyaya Setu, a WhatsApp-based legal support service designed to bring free legal awareness and assistance directly to citizens—no apps, no paperwork, just a smartphone.

The initiative aims to simplify access to justice by combining technology, legal expertise, and existing government aid programs into one easy-to-use digital channel.

How Citizens Can Use Nyaya Setu

WhatsApp Access: Save the number 7217711814 and send a message. The account may appear under the name “Tele-Law.”

Secure Verification: To receive lawyer-level assistance, users must verify their mobile number through a one-time password (OTP).

Always Available: The service runs round-the-clock, accessible across India via Android phones, iPhones, and WhatsApp Web.

What Nyaya Setu Offers

AI-Based Legal Information

The chatbot uses artificial intelligence to explain legal topics in plain language, covering areas such as:

Property and land disputes

Family and matrimonial issues

Domestic violence

Basic civil and criminal law queries

Direct Link to Legal Professionals

Users can be connected to empanelled lawyers for preliminary consultations, helping them understand possible legal options before taking formal steps.

One Platform, Multiple Schemes

Nyaya Setu acts as a digital bridge between citizens and existing government legal aid initiatives, including:

Tele-Law

Nyaya Bandhu

Legal Services Authorities (LSAs)

Case Updates and Tracking

Individuals can monitor the progress of their cases and receive updates directly through the WhatsApp interface.

What Users Should Keep in Mind

Not a Substitute for Court Representation

The service is meant for guidance and awareness. It does not replace the role of a qualified advocate for court appearances or detailed litigation.

Initial Rollout Challenges

As with many new digital services, some users have reported early technical issues, particularly during the OTP verification stage, following its January 2026 launch.

By: Aaradhay Sharma