Is the AI chat really free?
Yes — completely. You can ask unlimited questions in any of 8 Indian languages without signing up, entering a card, or hitting a paywall. The ₹99 is only if you choose to book a call with a human lawyer, and the document generator has its own small fee per document.
How accurate is the AI? Can I actually rely on it?
The AI is trained on Indian law and cites specific Acts, Sections, and procedures (IPC, BNS, CrPC, BNSS, Consumer Protection Act, POSH Act, etc.). It's excellent for understanding your rights, knowing which forum to approach, and drafting letters. For anything going to court, a serious financial dispute, or a criminal matter, always confirm with a lawyer — that's what the ₹99 consultation is for.
Which languages does Legal Setu support?
English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Kannada, and Gujarati. The AI replies in whichever language you type in — mix them mid-conversation if you want. Your lawyer brief is generated in English by default since that's what Indian courts use, but we can note the client's preferred language for the call.
What happens after I book a lawyer consultation?
Three things: (1) our AI prepares a 3-page case brief with the relevant laws, risk assessment, and suggested consultation points, so the lawyer is up to speed before they call you. (2) We match you with a lawyer based on your issue type and language within 6 hours. (3) They call you directly at your preferred slot. The ₹99 covers the booking and brief — the lawyer's own fee is quoted separately and only after you agree to it.
Are the generated documents legally valid?
The drafting is legally sound — clauses are drawn from standard Indian statutes (Transfer of Property Act, Indian Contract Act, NI Act, etc.). Whether a document is enforceable depends on the usual things: proper signatures, correct stamp duty for your state, notarisation where required, and registration where the law demands it (e.g. rent agreements over 11 months). We note all of this inside each document.
What if I'm not happy with the consultation? Can I get a refund?
Yes. If we can't match a lawyer within 24 hours, or the lawyer doesn't call you, or you're genuinely unhappy with the consultation quality, we refund the ₹99 — no questions. Just reach out on WhatsApp or email within 48 hours of the scheduled call. Full policy is in our
Terms.
Is my data private? Who sees my conversations?
Chat conversations are processed to generate answers and are not sold or shared with advertisers. For bookings, only the lawyer assigned to your case sees your brief. We comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. You can request deletion of your data any time — details in our
Privacy Policy.
Can Legal Setu represent me in court?
Legal Setu itself is a platform, not a law firm — we don't appear in court. The lawyers you consult through us are independent advocates enrolled with their respective State Bar Councils, and they can represent you separately if you choose to engage them beyond the initial consultation. The fee for court representation is always negotiated directly between you and the lawyer.
How much does a lawyer cost in India?
Fees vary widely by city, experience, and matter type. A general civil lawyer in a Tier-2 city may charge ₹500–₹2,000 for a basic consultation, while a senior advocate in Delhi or Mumbai can charge ₹5,000–₹25,000 per hearing. Drafting a notice or simple agreement typically runs ₹1,500–₹5,000. Through Legal Setu, your first consultation is fixed at ₹99; any further engagement is quoted by the lawyer and agreed by you in writing.
How do I send a legal notice in India?
A legal notice is a formal written communication signed by an advocate, stating your grievance, the legal basis, and the relief you demand. Steps: (1) draft the notice with specific facts, dates, and the law you're invoking; (2) get it signed by an enrolled advocate; (3) send by Registered Post with Acknowledgement Due (RPAD), keeping the receipt; (4) usually give 15–30 days to respond before taking the next step. Our document generator creates ready-to-send notices for cheque bounce (Section 138 NI Act), deposit recovery, and unpaid salary — you only need a lawyer to sign and dispatch.
What is the new BNS, BNSS and BSA — and how is it different from IPC?
From 1 July 2024, India replaced three colonial-era laws: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS, 2023) replaced the Indian Penal Code, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS, 2023) replaced the CrPC, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA, 2023) replaced the Evidence Act. Section numbers have changed — for example, IPC 302 (murder) is now BNS 103, and CrPC 41A is now BNSS 35. Old cases registered before 1 July 2024 continue under IPC/CrPC. Legal Setu is updated to the new codes; many other sites still cite the old laws.
Can I get free legal aid in India?
Yes — under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, free legal aid is available to women, children, SC/ST persons, industrial workmen, victims of trafficking or disaster, persons in custody, and anyone with an annual income below the state-prescribed limit (typically ₹3 lakh). You can apply at the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in your district or via the NALSA portal. Legal Setu's AI chat is also completely free and can guide you to the right authority for your situation.
Is online legal advice valid in India?
AI-generated explanations are guidance, not legal opinion — they help you understand your rights and options. Only an enrolled advocate can give a binding legal opinion or represent you in court. Legal Setu combines both: the AI explains your situation in plain language and cites the exact law, and the ₹99 lawyer consultation gives you a verified advocate's professional advice. Documents we generate are legally drafted templates; their enforceability depends on proper signing, stamping, and registration under your state's rules.
How long does it take to resolve a case in India?
It depends entirely on the forum. Lok Adalat or mediation can close a matter in one or two sittings. Consumer Forum cases are meant to be decided within 3–5 months under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Cheque bounce trials under Section 138 NI Act are statutorily expected to finish in 6 months, though delays are common. Civil suits in district courts can run 2–5 years; high-stakes commercial matters longer. Sending a clear legal notice often resolves disputes before they reach court, which is why we recommend starting there.
