National Legal Services Authority: the Chief Justice of India is Patron-in-Chief of the body that gives free legal aid under Article 39A
Background
Article 39A of the Constitution of India provides for free legal aid to the weaker sections of society, to promote justice on the basis of equal opportunity.
Articles 14 and 22(1) also make it obligatory for the State to ensure equality before law.
The Legal Services Authorities Act was enacted by Parliament in 1987 and came into force on 9 November 1995, to establish a nationwide uniform network for free and competent legal services.
The Chief Justice of India is the Patron-in-Chief and the seniormost Judge of the Supreme Court of India is the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
NALSA's principal objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections and to organise Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes.
Its functions also include spreading legal literacy and awareness and undertaking social justice litigation.
In plain words
Article 39A Equal justice and free legal aid — The Directive Principle that provides for free legal aid so that justice is not denied by economic or other disabilities.
Lok Adalat People's court for amicable settlement — A forum organised by the legal services authorities for amicable settlement of disputes.
Patron-in-Chief Head patron of the Authority — The Chief Justice of India holds this position in NALSA.