Question 1

Is ACHRC a government body?

Accepted Answer

No. ACHRC is a not-for-profit society registered in Telangana. It has no statutory powers, cannot compel any authority, and is not affiliated to any government department, commission, or political party.

Question 2

What does ACHRC actually do?

Accepted Answer

Four things, mainly: rights education in communities, guidance and referral for people navigating injustice, RTI and transparency assistance, and research and documentation that informs public education. Programmes, projects, and campaigns on this site describe each stream in detail.

Question 3

Which areas do you work in?

Accepted Answer

Our work is concentrated in Telangana, with material available in English, Hindi, Telugu, and Urdu. We respond to correspondence from elsewhere but will be honest when a matter falls outside our reach.

Question 4

Do you provide free legal representation in every case?

Accepted Answer

No, and we will not imply otherwise. ACHRC provides guidance, case triage, documentation help, and referrals according to mandate and capacity. Full representation before a court or tribunal is not guaranteed for any matter, and we say so at the first meeting.

Question 5

Is ACHRC guidance a substitute for a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

It is not. Nothing on this website or from our desk constitutes legal advice or creates an advocate–client relationship. Where a matter needs formal representation, we say so and help you identify the appropriate route, including statutory legal services authorities.

Question 6

What should I bring to a legal aid desk day?

Accepted Answer

A dated chronology of what happened, copies of anything you submitted, and any replies you received. Originals should stay with you — we work from copies.

Question 7

Can you file an RTI application on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

We help you draft and refine your own application, and we explain the fee, the authority to address, and the timelines. The request is filed by you, in your name, so that the right to appeal remains yours.

Question 8

My RTI reply was evasive. What now?

Accepted Answer

Not every unhelpful reply is unlawful, so the first step is reading the exemption or ground actually cited. If the refusal is improper or the reply is deficient, a first appeal is available. Our RTI clinics walk through exactly this.

Question 9

How can I volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Use the volunteer form. Suitable applicants are invited to an orientation covering ethics, confidentiality, documentation standards, and what we will and will not promise the people we assist.

Question 10

Do volunteers need a legal background?

Accepted Answer

No. We need translators, documentation support, outreach coordinators, researchers, designers, and people willing to sit with someone and take an accurate account of what happened.

Question 11

What are the membership fees?

Accepted Answer

An admission fee of ₹200 and an annual subscription of ₹100, payable once an application is approved. Applicants must be 21 or older. Fees are set by the society and any revision is decided by the General Body.

Question 12

What does membership entitle me to?

Accepted Answer

Admitted members form the General Body: they receive notice of general meetings, may vote on reserved matters, and may stand for election to the Executive Committee subject to the society's rules.

Question 13

Are donations tax-exempt?

Accepted Answer

Please do not rely on any claim you have not seen in writing from us. Current exemption status and receipt procedure are confirmed by the Treasurer on request — write to us before transferring funds.

Question 14

How is donated money used?

Accepted Answer

Contributions are applied to the society's registered objects: counselling hours, printed material, translation, travel for outreach, and programme logistics. No portion of income is distributed for private benefit.

Question 15

How are complaints handled?

Accepted Answer

Every logged complaint receives a written acknowledgement with a reference number, normally within 48 hours, and is reviewed by an authorised member of the secretariat. We tell you plainly if a matter falls outside what we can assist with.

Question 16

Will my identity be kept confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Complainant identities and case files are confidential and are disclosed only where the law requires it. Published outcomes are anonymised unless you give informed written consent.

Question 17

I am in immediate danger. Should I use this form?

Accepted Answer

No. If there is a threat to life or safety, contact the police and emergency services first. ACHRC is not an emergency service and cannot respond in real time.

Straight answers, including the limits

General

Legal Aid

RTI

Get Involved

Membership

Donations

Complaints