Free legal help on WhatsApp: How govt’s Nyaya Setu chatbot can assist in property, divorce cases
The Ministry of Law and Justice said on X: “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.”
How Nyaya Setu on WhatsApp works
Priya Dhankhar, Counsel, SKV Law Offices, says that Nyaya Setu is a WhatsApp-based legal chatbot launched by the Ministry of Law and Justice on January 1, 2026.
To use it, you message the number 7217711814 on WhatsApp (appears as ‘Tele-Law’). After verifying your mobile number, you get access to a chatbot which uses AI and provides unified legal advice and information, completely free of cost.
According to Dhankhar, the platform uses AI to understand your legal questions and deliver simplified responses across various areas of law. It’s a 24/7 service on WhatsApp, so you can seek legal guidance anytime without visiting a lawyer’s office.
Dhankar says: “The entire service is free and accessible across India regardless of your location.”
Rohit Jain, Managing Partner, Singhania & Co, says that Nyaya Setu leverages WhatsApp, eliminating the need to visit a Common Service Centre (CSC) or a legal office physically for initial queries.
According to Jain, Nyaya Setu connects users to panel lawyers who provide professional legal advice.
Jain says: “It aims to provide a system to help users find information about laws and schemes easily without navigating complex government websites. It focuses on providing advice before a case goes to court, helping citizens understand their rights and the strength of their case early on.”
How does Nyaya Setu help Indians with legal advice?
Sameer Jain, Managing Partner, PSL Advocates & Solicitors, said to ET Wealth Online: “Nyaya Setu contributes to legal assistance primarily by facilitating access and navigation, rather than by providing legal advice directly.”
According to Jain from PSL Advocates & Solicitors, Nyaya Setu’s principal utility lies in lowering entry barriers into the justice system, particularly for individuals who may face geographic, economic, or informational constraints.
Jain says that Nyaya Setu integrates or works alongside existing legal aid mechanisms such as Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu, and Legal Services Authorities, and enables users to understand available legal aid and advisory options, including Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and access preliminary legal consultation through appropriate institutional channels.
Any legal advice accessed through this ecosystem continues to be provided by qualified legal professionals or statutory legal aid bodies, and not by the platform itself.
Jain from PSL Advocates & Solicitors says: “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.”
Can any type of legal assistance including matrimonial divorce cases help be availed in Nyaya Setu?
Dhankar says Yes, since it’s an AI bot, matrimonial and divorce cases are within Nyaya Setu’s scope. According to the Ministry of Law and Justice, the platform covers family disputes, matrimonial matters, and domestic violence cases.
Dhankar says: “You can get answers about divorce procedures, maintenance rights, or custody laws. But to take your case to court, you’ll still need an advocate for proper representation. Think of it as getting clarification on your legal position before deciding whether to pursue formal proceedings.”
