Section 12 in The Maharashtra State legal Aid and Advice Board
12. Eligibility for free legal aid.
(1)Every citizen whose income from all sources does not exceed Rs. [6,000 per annum] [Substituted for the letters, figures and words 'Rs. 3,600 per annum', by G. R., L. & J. D. No. LAB 1086/(96)-XV, dated 24.7.1986, clause 5(a).] shall be eligible for free legal services.(2)[ This limitation as to income shall not apply to the parties belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Vimukta Jatis, Nomadic Tribes, Nav Buddas, women and children] [This sub-clause was substituted for the original, by G. R., L. & J. D. No. LAB 1086/(96)-XV, dated 24.7.1986, clause 5(b).</p>].(3)The Board and the Committees constituted by it may suo motu or on application made in that behalf by the opposite party, withdraw the grant of free legal services to an aided person, if it is found that such person has adequate financial resources to meet the cost of such legal services.(4)Notwithstanding anything contained herein, the Board may itself initiate proceedings or grant aid,-(a)in cases of great public importance; or(b)in a test case the decision of which is likely to affect cases of numerous other persons belonging to weaker sections of the community; or(c)in a special case which, for reasons to be recorded in writing, is considered otherwise deserving of legal aid.
