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Access to justice is a fundamental pillar of a democratic society, ensuring that every individual, regardless of social or economic status, can seek and obtain legal remedies. Legal aid serves as critical mechanism to translate this constitutional ideal into reality, particularly for marginalized communities that often face systemic barriers to justice. Despite the existence of robust legal frameworks, including the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and supportive constitutional provisions such as Art. 14, 21, and 39A of the Indian Constitution, significant gaps remain in the effective delivery of legal aid. Marginalized groups, comprising Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, women, children, persons with disabilities, and economically weaker sections, frequently encounter financial constraints, lack of legal awareness, bureaucratic hurdles, and social stigma that prevent them from accessing justice. This research examines the effectiveness of legal aid in addressing these challenges by analyzing institutional mechanisms, such as NALSA, State and District Legal Services Authorities, Lok Adalats, legal aid clinics, and alternative dispute resolution systems. It highlights both achievements, including increased legal literacy and empowerment, and persistent challenges such as infrastructural inadequacies, quality of representation, and regional disparities. The study underscores the need for reforms to strengthen legal aid delivery, enhance awareness, and leverage technology to reach underserved populations. Hence, the research argues that ensuring access to justice for marginalized sections is not only a legal obligation but a social imperative for achieving equality, inclusivity, & realization of human rights.