Ask for review when legal aid is refused

Keep the application number, submitting office, decision date, reasons given and any request for more information. If you only have an unanswered request or an unclear status, first ask the office for its recorded decision or the information still needed. Do not treat silence as a refusal.

Select Open NALSA’s rejection guidance and read FAQ 58. It identifies the Executive Chairman or Chairman of the legal-services institution as the appeal authority for an applicant dissatisfied with the decision. Match this to the institution named in your decision; this guide does not choose appeal grounds or calculate a deadline.

Arrange a copy of the application, the decision and relevant correspondence. Briefly identify the decision you want reconsidered, what you believe was missed or misunderstood, and the documents supporting that point. Keep uncertain facts marked as uncertain. Ask for assistance if you cannot prepare the request yourself.

Ask the issuing office: “I have decision [reference/date]. How do I submit an appeal to the authority in FAQ 58, what papers are needed, and what time limit applies?” Also ask how receipt and the eventual decision will be communicated. Confirm the current address or official channel before sending documents.

Keep the submitted request, proof of delivery or acknowledgment, and any appeal reference. Ask how to follow up using that reference. If a hearing or other case date is near, state the exact date and ask how to obtain timely assistance; do not assume the aid appeal changes any court date.

Select Open Bihar legal-aid contacts to locate the issuing office or seek guidance through the state office/15100. Explain whether you need an appeal route, a missing decision or help with staff conduct. NALSA FAQ 61 separately addresses complaints about legal-services institutions; it should not be used as a substitute for checking the appeal route.