Emerging as one of the most effective tools of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Lok Adalat has proven its potency by disposing of a total of 1,27,87,329 cases in the year 2021 alone. Taking advantage of advancements in technology, Lok Adalats have become increasingly convenient through the introduction of E-Lok Adalats which allow adjudication to reach the doorsteps of parties.
Understanding Lok Adalat and its Origin
‘Lok Adalat’ or ‘People’s Court’ is rooted in Gandhian principles, representing an age-old method of dispensing justice that was prevalent in ancient India. The Supreme Court of India regards the Lok Adalat system as relevant even in contemporary times. As part of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system, Lok Adalats ensure quick, informal, and affordable justice to ordinary citizens.
The first Lok Adalat camp was set up in 1982 in Gujarat. It functioned as a voluntary and conciliatory body without any statutory support for its decisions. However, given its escalating popularity over time, it officially gained recognition under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. This Act outlines provisions for the organization and functioning of Lok Adalats.
Lok Adalat’s Organization Structure
The State/District Legal Services Authority or the Supreme Court/High Court/Taluk Legal Services Committee organizes Lok Adalats at regular intervals, for certain jurisdictions and areas. A typical Lok Adalat consists of serving or retired judicial officers, along with a lawyer and a social worker from the local area. The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) formed under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 collaborates with other Legal Services Institutions to conduct Lok Adalats.
Lok Adalat’s Jurisdiction
A Lok Adalat can resolve and mediate disputes that are either pending or fall under the jurisdiction of any court, provided all parties involved agree to this process. Additionally, the court can refer a case to the Lok Adalat if it deems the matter solvable through this platform. For pre-litigation disputes, the matter can be referred to the Lok Adalat upon receipt of an application from any disputing party. The Lok Adalat typically addresses issues such as family disputes, criminal offenses (compoundable offenses), land acquisition cases, labor disputes, workman’s compensation cases, and bank recovery cases.
Powers and Functions of the Lok Adalat
The Lok Adalat possesses similar powers to those vested in a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure (1908). It has the authority to specify its own procedure for resolving disputes brought before it. All proceedings within a Lok Adalat are considered judicial proceedings within the Indian Penal Code (1860) context, and every Lok Adalat is treated as a Civil Court under the Code of Criminal Procedure (1973).
Advantages of Choosing Lok Adalat
Lok Adalats do not require a court fee; if a fee has already been paid, it is refundable if the dispute gets resolved. Other benefits include procedural flexibility, swift resolution of disputes, and direct interaction between the judge and the parties through their counsels, which is not commonly facilitated in regular courts of law. Their awards are final, binding, and non-appealable, which prevents delays in resolving disputes.
