The Government of India has launched Nyaya Setu, a new legal support initiative delivered through WhatsApp that aims to make justice and legal guidance more accessible to ordinary citizens. Designed as a user-friendly digital assistant, Nyaya Setu helps people understand legal rights, procedures and options without needing to visit a lawyer or court in person.
What Is Nyaya Setu?
Nyaya Setu is a WhatsApp-based chatbot and information service developed by the Department of Justice in collaboration with technology partners. The platform uses conversational messaging to provide legal information and resources on a wide range of topics, including:
- Civil and criminal law basics
- Consumer rights and remedies
- Family law issues
- Property disputes
- Labour and employment rights
- Procedures for filing complaints and cases
Users can interact with the system in a thread — much like chatting with a contact — to get answers, explanations and links to relevant government schemes or forms.
How It Works
To access Nyaya Setu, users simply open WhatsApp and start a conversation with the designated official number. From there, the system guides the user through a menu of options and questions. By responding in text or selecting from choices, the user can drill down into specific legal areas and receive easy-to-understand explanations.
The service is available 24/7, and unlike paid legal consultations, it provides information free of cost. It does not replace a lawyer’s personalised advice but serves as a first point of assistance to clarify legal queries or direct users toward official resources.
Why This Matters
Many people hesitate to seek legal help due to cost, complexity or lack of awareness about where to start. By bringing legal information into a familiar platform like WhatsApp, the government hopes to:
- Empower citizens with knowledge of their rights
- Reduce dependence on informal or inaccurate sources
- Make basic legal procedures transparent and understandable
- Promote access to justice for marginalised or remote communities
The launch aligns with broader digital governance goals that focus on using technology to simplify citizen interactions with government services.
Expected Impact On Citizens
Nyaya Setu could particularly benefit first-time users who need help understanding:
- How to draft a complaint
- What documents are required for legal procedures
- Timelines and steps involved in court filings
- Where to seek government-assisted legal aid
By lowering barriers to legal information, the service may reduce the burden on courts, lawyers and grassroots legal support organisations, while enabling citizens to make informed decisions early in a dispute.
Future Prospects
Officials have indicated that Nyaya Setu may be expanded with additional features such as chat support in multiple languages, links to legal aid clinics, and integration with other justice delivery platforms.
