Justice Empowered, Communities Elevated, Affordably
At Legal Aid Trust, we combine expert legal services with a lasting commitment to social good. From litigation to business advisory, we offer tailored solutions that serve both clients and the community.
We must stop constantly fighting for human rights and equal justice in an unjust system, and start building a society where equal rights are an integral part of the design.
Jacque FrescoABOUT US
Empowering Justice and Legal Advocacy for All Sectors of Society
At Legal Aid Trust, we offer expert legal services with a commitment to social impact. From dispute resolution to advocacy, we provide tailored solutions that benefit both clients and the community.
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Our Team in 2021
SERVICES
We provide top-tier services that are both exceptional and easily accessible.
At Legal Aid Trust, we offer a comprehensive and flexible suite of legal services tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals, communities, and businesses. Clients may choose from a “table d'hôte” (full-service) model or opt for “à la carte” services based on specific requirements. Our expertise spans across Litigation, Non-Litigation, and Advisory services in legal domains related to:
Government agencies
Corporate and Commercial law
Banking and BFSI
Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES)
Real Estate (RERA)
National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)
Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Our commitment is rooted in three core principles: Accessibility, Affordability, and Professional Excellence. Every solution we provide is customised to address the unique legal, strategic, and operational needs of our clients—be they individuals, businesses, or communities.
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Litigation
Civil Matters, Criminal Matters, Family Matters, and Labour Matters
Contract Management
Contract Drafting, Stamp Paper Formalities, Systematic Document Archiving.
Non-Litigation
Document Scrutiny, Legal Scrutiny, Due Diligence, and Legal Advice
Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Mediation and Arbitration Services.
Advisory Services
Strategic Guidance, Risk Management, Legal Structuring, and Compliance
Company Law
Support for Company Registration and Cases under the Companies Act 2013
WHY US?
We believe justice should not be gated by income. Our services are designed to be within reach of all, bridging the gap between quality legal assistance and affordability. Legal Aid Trust ensures that accessibility is at the heart of everything we do.
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Our clients are more than just case numbers they are partners in the pursuit of justice. We earn their trust by listening, supporting, and standing beside them through every step of their legal journey.
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We place service above all. Each solution is tailored with care, keeping the client’s needs, context, and goals at the core of our approach always prioritizing people over process. Our work is anchored in integrity, accountability, and impact. We don’t just aim for outcomes we strive to ensure they align with our values and our clients’ long term interests.
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From RERA to NCLT, ITES to BFSI our team brings deep knowledge across sectors, offering niche insights without losing sight of the bigger picture. We know your field, and we speak its legal language.
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We combine legal rigour with human understanding. Our counsel balances strategic foresight and compassion because we know law isn’t just about statutes; it’s about lives.
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At Legal Aid Trust, we believe that justice is not reserved for the few. Quality legal services should be a guaranteed right for every individual - not a luxury.
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We proudly champion diverse voices in law. From our interns to our leadership, inclusivity informs our practice and enriches our ability to serve every section of society with dignity.
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As an independent, self-sustained non-profit, our strength lies in purpose, not profit. We reinvest our resources into people, communities, and justice where they matter most.
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OUR TEAM
Introducing Our Trustees and Patrons: Leaders in Legal Expertise
Our dedicated team delivers personalized legal solutions with deep expertise across litigation, advisory, and corporate services.
MANAGING TRUSTEE
Adv. (Dr.) Vidya Selvamony
Adv. (Dr.) Vidya Selvamony, a distinguished legal scholar and advocate, was recently awarded a Ph.D. in Law. She currently serves as a Visiting Faculty at CMR University School of Legal Studies, one of Bangalore’s premier law colleges. Her areas of expertise include: 1. Constitution of India 2. Law of Crimes 3. Drafting, Pleading & Conveyancing (DPC) 4. Civil Procedure Code (CPC) In addition to her academic contributions, she is the Managing Trustee of Legal Aid Trust, an NGO committed to promoting legal literacy, awareness, and education. The organization works to uphold the ethos of the Indian Constitution while ensuring accessible and affordable legal aid and services. With an advocacy career spanning over 25 years, Adv. (Dr.) Vidya Selvamony has represented clients across various courts in Bangalore, including: • The Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka • Civil & Sessions Courts • Criminal Courts • State & District Consumer Forums • Family Courts and various Quasi-Judicial Bodies & Tribunals She has also played a pivotal role in the implementation of The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013. She serves as an External Member in Internal Committees of several corporate organizations and contributes as a trainer and consultant in this domain. Her Ph.D. research focused on “Exploitation of Children in the Tourism Industry: An Assessment of the Legal Measures and Their Inadequacies in India.” This subject holds deep significance for her, as she has been actively involved with domestic and international NGOs on legal matters related to tourism, women’s rights, and child protection. Adv. (Dr.) Vidya Selvamony has presented her research and findings at numerous national and international forums, including: • World Congress III – Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents. • UNWTO Task Force for Protection of Children – Child Abuse Linked to Tourism in India. • UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) – Trafficking of Children in the Tourism Industry. • ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography & Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes) – Child Safety Mechanisms and the Role of Information Technology in Child Sexual Exploitation in India. • ITB Berlin – Strengthening Cooperation Among NGOs, Law Enforcement Authorities, and the Private Sector to Combat the Exploitation of Children She has also co-led research on Male Child Sexual Exploitation in Pilgrim Tourism Sites in India, and her widely recognized research report, "Unholy Nexus," has been instrumental in influencing policy changes in India. As she reaches this remarkable milestone in her career, Adv. (Dr.) Vidya Selvamony continues to be an inspiration in the legal field. Her dedication to education, legal advocacy, and social reform remains unwavering, and her contributions will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on society.
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TRUSTEE
Mr. Girish Mundakode
Mr. Girish Mundakode is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the corporate sector, supported by a rich and diverse academic foundation. He holds a graduate degree in Commerce from Bangalore University, a Postgraduate degree in Marketing Management from Pondicherry University, a Diploma in Environment and Pollution Control, an LL.B. from Karnataka State Law University, and an LL.M. in Commercial Law from CMR University School of Legal Studies. His LL.M. dissertation was titled “A Study on Current Legal Space Regime, Space Salvage and Debris Remediation: Legal Perspective and Dispute Resolution.” Throughout his career, Girish has held strategic and leadership roles across multiple domains, including Human Capital Management, Supply Chain Management, Archiving Services, Facilities Management, Asset Acquisition and Disposal (with a special focus on Real Estate), and Banking Logistics. His extensive involvement in organizational transformation highlights his ability to drive change across diverse verticals. As a techno-administrator and Subject Matter Expert (SME), Girish has been instrumental in the conceptualization and development of software solutions focused on automation and resource optimization. In his role as Head of Business Excellence, he has successfully led the implementation of ISO 9001, 27001, and 18001 certifications. He has also played a key role in the development, testing, and implementation of Business Continuity Plans (BCP) and Disaster Recovery Plans (DRP) for various organizations. Additionally, he is trained in Organizational Security Risk Assessment and has conducted Security Audits for several institutions. Widely respected for his contributions to process planning, workflow automation, and the delivery of quality services, Girish brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic insight to every initiative. His approach is guided by a deep commitment to social responsibility and sustainable practices. Known as a maverick with a passion for education, social reform, and human rights, Girish is a steadfast advocate for equality and inclusive development. He champions transformative change through education, corporate engagement, community ownership, and responsible governance. His work exemplifies a rare synergy of professional excellence and unwavering social commitment.
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PATRON
Prof. (Dr.) V J Praneshwaran
Prof. (Dr.) V J Praneshwaran is a distinguished educationist, legal scholar, and practitioner whose illustrious career spans over 21 years. A graduate in Law with an LL.M. in Constitutional Law and a Ph.D. in Law from Bangalore University, he brings a unique blend of academic rigor and practical legal experience. His early achievements reflect his deep-rooted commitment to social upliftment—most notably, his instrumental role in establishing Jaigopal Garodia Rashtrotthana Vidyalaya at the young age of 24, a testament to his dedication to the underprivileged and passion for education. With core expertise in legal practice, client counseling, and teaching, Dr. Praneshwaran transitioned from active legal practice to academia, driven by his enduring passion for teaching. He currently serves as the Director of the School of Legal Studies at CMR University, where he continues to inspire faculty, staff, and students alike. His former students now serve in diverse professions across India and abroad, reflecting the broad impact of his mentorship. A committed nationalist, Dr. Praneshwaran is deeply involved in initiatives aimed at nation-building through legal education. He actively promotes legal literacy and awareness through workshops, campaigns, and educational outreach programs at multiple levels. His doctoral research, titled “A Study of Laws Relating to Armed Forces and the Protection of Human Rights in India,” highlights his scholarly insight into the delicate balance between discipline and human rights within the Indian Armed Forces. The Legal Aid Trust is honored to have Dr. V. J. Praneshwaran as its Patron. His profound vision, experience, and commitment to justice are invaluable assets that will undoubtedly elevate the Trust’s initiatives to greater heights.
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PATRON
Mr. A. R. Venkata Subramanyam
Legal Aid Trust is honored to welcome Mr. A. R. Venkata Subramanyam as a Patron of the Trust. A highly accomplished professional, Mr. Subramanyam is a Chartered Accountant (CA), Cost and Works Accountant (CWA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), bringing with him over 34 years of rich and diverse experience in Audit, Accounts, and Finance across leading organizations in India and abroad. His expertise spans IFRS-based accounts consolidation, finalization of accounts under Indian GAAP and Ind AS, auditing in ERP environments, international syndication finance, and project feasibility studies. His guidance, vision, and wealth of experience will undoubtedly strengthen and elevate the Trust’s mission and activities, enabling us to make a deeper impact in our service to the community.
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Our Advocates
Adv. Arathi B
Arathi B specialises in Arbitration and corporate & commercial law. She practices in High Court of Karnataka Principle bench. She manages cases related to Service matter, Writ Petitions, Land related matters, Arbitration, Criminal Appeal, Criminal Petition, Regular First & Second appeal.
Karnataka State Bar Council
B.B.A., LL.B, LL.M
TESTIMONIALS
Here’s What Our Clients Say: Trusted Experiences and Honest Feedback
Discover how our legal services have made a difference for our clients. Their experiences and testimonials reflect the quality, professionalism, and commitment we bring to every case we handle.
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I recently got my apartment documents processed through Legal Aid Trust and was thoroughly impressed by their impeccable service. Their staff was empathetic, reliable and understanding. They clarified many of the unknowns which simplified and made the process less daunting. Their Senior Management team kept us well informed about the pros and cons and supported in true understanding of our needs.We are so glad to have gone through them and will definitely recommend and if needed will choose them.
I found Legal Aid to be a truly proactive law firm that is very empathetic to the client. My experience has been one of a law firm that is both caring and professional at the same time. They worked with true team spirit, energetically and enthusiastically and kept regularly updating us about the progress of our case. They were very efficient and handled everything within the reasonable deadlines they promised. They are subject matter experts, very good at understanding the case fast and prescribe the right course of action. however, complicated the case could be. With Girish and team, I always know that my work will be handled not just efficiently but enthusiastically and that once I engage them for any service, I can relax and be free of anxiety. Very good experience working with them I wish Girish and team all the very best, I am sure they will excel in their efforts to solve cases. Good Luck and Best Wishes Team Legal Aid.
I had the pleasure of working with Legal Aid team for a financial matter, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of professionalism and expertise they provided. From my initial consultation to the resolution of my case, the team was attentive, responsive, and incredibly supporting. Team took the time to thoroughly explain my options and helped me navigate the situation with ease. They were always available to answer my questions and made me feel confident in their ability to handle the case. What stood out the most was their clear communication, their transparency about the process, and their genuine dedication to achieving the best possible outcome. I felt supported and understood throughout the entire process. A special thanks to Mr. Girish for his support every step of the way.
Legal Aid Trust is truly a 'to-go' place for all your legal needs. My wife and I visited LAT to discuss about an incident related to cheating. It was Adv. Vidya Selvamony, one of the Managing trustees, who attended us. She is a very positive human being who always has a smile on her face even when explaining the nitty-gritty of the legal processes. She patiently listened to our issue and assured that we will fight for justice in whichever way the law permits us. Though she had delegated the job to her juniors Adv. Hariharan, Adv Rashmi & Adv. Maheshwari, she was always available to us for any required clarifications. A special mention to Adv. Hariharan, who was very prompt and diligent in his communication with us - right from explaining the legal proceedings (which we as laymen were not much aware of) to coordinating for the court appearances. He even tactically managed an event of discomfort which occurred from one of his colleagues. Those kind of people will always be there in all organizations whose unprofessional behaviour will tarnish the goodwill of the organization but people like Adv Hari effectively balances it out with their timely interventions and necessary takeovers. In a nutshell, LAT is a one stop destination for all your Legal needs at an affordable price.
Girish and his team provided very professional legal services for a GPA and advice regarding property matters. They were very prompt, accurate and followed up for successful completion of my request. I would highly recommend their services and use them again.
OUR BEST CASES
Exhumation and Transfer of Body
By: Deepak K, Jeevan V Gowda & Anoushka Girish.
Introduction
Exhumation—the act of retrieving human remains from a burial site—is often portrayed through the lens of criminal investigations and forensic science. However, this procedure isn’t always about uncovering the truth behind a crime. Sometimes, it stems from a deeply human desire: the wish to honor a loved one’s last request or to reconnect them with their ancestral land.
While Indian law permits exhumation under criminal codes for investigative purposes, it offers little clarity for requests driven by emotional, religious, or cultural grounds. The absence of such a legal framework places families in a difficult position, forcing them to navigate a maze of bureaucracy to fulfill what should be a simple act of respect and love.
Understanding the Legal Framework
In India, exhumation is governed primarily by Section 176 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C.), now mirrored under Section 199 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This provision allows a magistrate to order the disinterment of a body for the purpose of investigating the cause of death. In instances where a burial is suspected to be illegal or suspicious, Section 174 of the Cr.P.C. (now Section 197 BNSS) enables the police to act.
However, these sections do not accommodate exhumation based on cultural sentiments or family traditions. Unlike other countries that define time limits and grounds for disinterment—such as Germany’s 30 years or France’s 10—India lacks a cohesive statute addressing non-criminal exhumation requests. This legal vacuum often compels affected families to seek judicial intervention.
The Background: A Pandemic-Era Burial
Amid the COVID-19 crisis, a family lost their mother to a Liver related medical ailment in Bengaluru. Travel restrictions during the pandemic prevented her remains from being transported to the family’s ancestral home in Kodagu. Consequently, she was buried at a local church in the city of Bangalore.
In the post-pandemic period, the family felt a renewed urgency to fulfill her final wish—to be laid to rest in her ancestral land. The family’s traditions were closely tied to the cemetery in Kodagu, where generations had performed religious rites and ceremonies. With this emotional and spiritual bond in mind, they sought to relocate her remains to the family’s native district.
Seeking Legal Help: The Role of the Trust
To navigate the complexities of the exhumation process, the family approached Legal Aid Trust known for assisting in sensitive and humanitarian legal matters. The Trust took up their case, recognizing both the exceptional nature of the circumstances and the importance of upholding the dignity of the deceased.
Acting on the family’s behalf, the Trust assisted in obtaining No Objection Certificates from both burial sites and submitted a formal application to the local Tehsildar. The request, however, was passed along the administrative hierarchy—from the Tehsildar to the Assistant Commissioner, and finally to the Deputy Commissioner. The final response was a denial, citing a lack of legal provision for exhumation based on personal or religious grounds.
Faced with this administrative impasse, the Trust filed a writ petition before the Hon’ble High Court on behalf of the family.
Before the Court: Arguing for Dignity and Tradition
The state’s legal counsel argued that exhumation could not be granted for religious purposes, as such requests did not fall within the ambit of Section 176(3) of the Cr.P.C., which addresses magisterial inquiries into suspicious deaths.
In contrast, the petitioners, represented by the Trust, presented compelling reasons for the exhumation. They argued that the original burial had occurred under unavoidable pandemic constraints, without the performance of customary family rites. Moreover, they emphasized the importance of the ancestral burial site in their family’s traditions, and their inability to continue those rites at the current location.
The petitioners’ counsel highlighted that this was not a case of suspicion or forensic need, but one of emotional closure and religious fulfillment. Drawing attention to earlier judicial observations—including the Supreme Court’s ruling in Mohammad Latief Magrey v. Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir—the trust contended that although India lacks dedicated legislation on exhumation, courts have a duty to recognize exceptional circumstances.
A Judicial Response Rooted in Humanity
The Hon’ble High Court acknowledged the unique nature of the petition. Referring to previous judgments and the evident humanitarian concerns, the Court concluded that a prima facie case had been made for permitting the exhumation. Unlike the Magrey case—where the burial had not been questioned on procedural or spiritual grounds—the present situation clearly involved unfulfilled religious obligations and the last wishes of the deceased.
The Court granted permission for the exhumation and directed the appropriate authorities to ensure its proper execution.
Administrative Coordination for Exhumation
Following the court’s decision, the implementation was routed through the District Magistrate, who coordinated with several departments to facilitate the exhumation process. The District Health Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Assistant Commissioner, and the jurisdictional Tehsildar were all entrusted with specific responsibilities.
The Taluk Health Officer (THO) was designated to supervise the medical aspects of the disinterment, while local law enforcement was tasked with maintaining order. A date for the exhumation was fixed, and officials from all relevant departments, including family representatives and a videographer, were present to ensure transparency.
Post-Exhumation Procedures: Legal and Scientific Compliance
Once the exhumation was carried out under the supervision of the THO, biological samples—such as bone and hair—were collected for DNA testing to confirm the identity of the remains. These samples were sealed and sent to a forensic lab with police oversight.
The entire procedure was documented on video, and a mahazar (panchnama) was prepared and signed by witnesses. The family also submitted a formal written acknowledgment to the Tehsildar, confirming the receipt of the mortal remains.
Conclusion
This case marks an important moment in India’s evolving legal response to compassionate exhumation. While current laws focus almost exclusively on criminal investigations, this case demonstrates the necessity of broadening the legal framework to include personal, cultural, and religious considerations.
Thanks to the timely legal intervention by the trust and a judicial system that recognized the gravity of the petitioners’ emotional plea, a family was able to fulfill a sacred promise. The exhumation and reburial not only restored peace to the family but also served as a reminder that dignity in death is a right—just as in life.
The meticulous administrative coordination and adherence to legal and forensic protocols ensured that the process was transparent, respectful, and in line with judicial directives. This case may well serve as a precedent for future petitions, and as a catalyst for the development of more inclusive and humane legislation on exhumation in India.
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High Voltage Cable Line
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At Legal Aid Trust, we believe knowledge is a right—not a privilege. We have made a digital version of the original text of Indian constitution available for you.
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