Free Legal Help in India

Where to get free, official help in India — the ministries, regulators, ombudsmen and national helplines for work, consumer, banking-fraud, cybercrime, housing, health and rights problems. Most are free, and legal aid is available through NALSA.

In immediate danger? Dial 112.

Work & employment

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Ministry of Labour & Employment

Government

Wage, overtime and dismissal complaints; every state also runs a Labour Commissioner office. The Code on Wages 2019 lets claims authorities award up to 10× compensation.

Legal basis Code on Wages 2019 and the Industrial Disputes Act 1947

How to reach File with your state Labour Commissioner or on the Shram Suvidha portal; the claims authority can order up to 10× the amount owed. Keep pay slips and your appointment letter.

Online: labour.gov.in
Languages: English, Hindi
Cost: Free

Verified 2026-07-05 · official source

EPFO

Government

Employees' Provident Fund Organisation

Provident fund and pension for salaried workers — withdrawals, transfers and grievances (EPFiGMS) when an employer doesn't deposit your PF.

Legal basis Employees' Provident Funds & Misc. Provisions Act 1952

How to reach Manage PF, file a withdrawal or transfer, and raise grievances on the EPFO member portal / EPFiGMS with your UAN. Non-deposit by an employer can be reported here.

Online: www.epfindia.gov.in/site_en/index.php
Languages: English, Hindi
Cost: Free

Verified 2026-07-05 · official source

Housing & tenancy

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Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs — RERA

Government

Real-estate regulation; each state's RERA authority and appellate tribunal handle homebuyer-builder disputes — delayed possession, refunds, defects.

Legal basis Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016

How to reach File a homebuyer complaint with your state's RERA authority (each state has its own portal); keep the builder-buyer agreement and payment receipts.

Online: mohua.gov.in/cms/RealEstate.php
Languages: English, Hindi
Cost: Low fee

Verified 2026-07-05 · official source

Consumer & shopping

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National Consumer Helpline

Government

Pre-litigation consumer help on 1915; if unresolved, file with the District/State/National Consumer Commissions online through e-Daakhil.

Legal basis Consumer Protection Act 2019

How to reach Call 1915 or use the NCH app / UMANG; if unresolved, file with the consumer commission online through e-Daakhil. Keep the invoice and warranty.

Call: 1915
Online: consumerhelpline.gov.in
Languages: English, Hindi
Cost: Free

Verified 2026-07-05 · official source

Income Tax e-Filing

Government

File returns and claim refunds, respond to faceless assessments, and raise grievances through e-Nivaran.

Legal basis Income-tax Act 1961

How to reach File returns, claim refunds and raise grievances via e-Nivaran on the e-Filing portal; respond to any notice within the stated deadline.

Online: www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal
Languages: English, Hindi
Cost: Free

Verified 2026-07-05 · official source

Scams, fraud & money recovery

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National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal

Government

Report online financial fraud, blackmail and cybercrime; dial 1930 within the first hours of a fraud to freeze the money trail. Women and children have a dedicated reporting track.

Legal basis Information Technology Act 2000 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023

How to reach Report at cybercrime.gov.in or dial 1930 within the golden hour to freeze a fraudulent transfer; save screenshots and the transaction ID.

Call: 1930
Online: cybercrime.gov.in
Languages: English, Hindi
Cost: Free

Verified 2026-07-05 · official source

RBI — Complaint Management System

Ombudsman

Reserve Bank of India Ombudsman (CMS)

Free RBI Ombudsman redress for complaints against banks, NBFCs and wallets — fraud, unauthorised transactions, disputed charges — after you complain to the bank first.

Legal basis RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme 2021

How to reach Complain to your bank/NBFC first; if unresolved in 30 days (or rejected), file with the RBI Ombudsman on the CMS portal with your complaint reference.

Online: cms.rbi.org.in
Languages: English, Hindi
Cost: Free

Verified 2026-07-05 · official source

Immigration & residency

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e-FRRO

Government

Foreigners Regional Registration (Bureau of Immigration)

Foreigners' registration, visa extension, and exit permits online through the FRRO.

Legal basis Foreigners Act 1946 and the Registration of Foreigners Act 1939

How to reach Foreign nationals apply for registration, visa extension and exit permits on the e-FRRO portal; upload your passport, visa and address proof.

Online: indianfrro.gov.in
Languages: English
Cost: Low fee

Who it's for: Foreign nationals in India.

Verified 2026-07-05 · official source

Family

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National Commission for Women

Government

Complaints of violence, harassment and discrimination against women; the Women Helpline 181 gives 24/7 support and referral to One Stop Centres.

Legal basis National Commission for Women Act 1990

How to reach File with the NCW online or call the Women Helpline 181 for 24/7 support; harassment, violence and workplace-abuse complaints are referred and tracked.

Call: 181
Online: ncw.nic.in
Languages: English, Hindi
Cost: Free

Who it's for: Women facing abuse or workplace harassment.

Verified 2026-07-05 · official source

Healthcare

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Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Government

Health ministry; a hospital or clinic complaint goes to the state health authority, and a doctor's misconduct to the National Medical Commission.

Legal basis Clinical Establishments Act 2010 (where adopted)

How to reach Report a hospital or clinic to your state health authority; complaints of negligence or misconduct against a registered doctor go to the National Medical Commission.

Online: www.mohfw.gov.in
Languages: English, Hindi
Cost: Free

Verified 2026-07-05 · official source

General help & advocacy

NALSA

Legal aid

National Legal Services Authority

Free legal aid and Lok Adalats; every district has a Legal Services Authority that provides a free lawyer to those who qualify (women, SC/ST, low-income, migrant workers).

Legal basis Legal Services Authorities Act 1987

How to reach Apply for a free lawyer at your District/State Legal Services Authority or online; women, SC/ST, and low-income applicants qualify automatically.

Online: nalsa.gov.in
Languages: English, Hindi
Cost: Free

Who it's for: Anyone who cannot afford a lawyer.

Verified 2026-07-05 · official source

National Human Rights Commission

Government

Complaints of rights violations, including custodial abuse, bonded/forced labour and discrimination.

Legal basis Protection of Human Rights Act 1993

How to reach File a complaint on the NHRC portal (HRCNet) for custodial abuse, bonded labour or other rights violations; complaints can be filed by post too.

Online: nhrc.nic.in
Languages: English, Hindi
Cost: Free

Verified 2026-07-05 · official source

This is legal information, not legal advice — a directory of official, free channels, not an endorsement. Hotlines and links can change; each entry shows the date we last verified it. If a number or page no longer works, tell us on the contact form.