In India, the judiciary is often burdened with a huge number of pending cases. To reduce this backlog and provide quick, affordable, and fair justice, the system of Lok Adalat was introduced. Lok Adalat, which means “People’s Court,” is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism that helps settle disputes outside the regular court system.
This blog explains the concept, features, benefits, and process of Lok Adalat in India.
What is Lok Adalat?
Lok Adalat is a statutory forum where disputes are resolved through conciliation and compromise between parties. It is not a regular court but has legal status under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Decisions of Lok Adalat are considered equivalent to a civil court decree and are binding on the parties.
Types of Lok Adalats
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Permanent Lok Adalat (PLA):
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Deals with disputes related to public utility services (transport, postal, electricity, water supply, etc.).
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Can take cases even before they are filed in court.
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National Lok Adalat:
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Organized across the country on a single day.
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Takes up a large number of cases at once for speedy disposal.
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Mega Lok Adalat:
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Conducted at the state level on a specific day in all courts of that state.
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Mobile Lok Adalat:
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Held at different places to provide justice to people in remote areas.
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Cases Suitable for Lok Adalat
Lok Adalat mainly deals with civil and compoundable criminal cases, such as:
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Family disputes
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Matrimonial and maintenance cases
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Land and property disputes
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Labour disputes
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Motor accident compensation claims
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Bank recovery cases
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Compoundable criminal cases (where parties can compromise)
Cases involving serious, non-compoundable criminal offenses (like murder or rape) cannot be taken up in Lok Adalat.
Advantages of Lok Adalat
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Speedy Justice: Cases are resolved quickly without long delays.
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Cost-Effective: No court fee is required. If already paid, it is refunded.
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Informal Procedure: No strict legal formalities, making it easier for common people.
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Binding Award: The decision is final and enforceable like a civil court decree.
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Voluntary Process: Settlements are based on compromise, not on imposed judgment.
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Reduces Court Burden: Helps in clearing pending cases in regular courts.
Process of Lok Adalat
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Referral of Case: A case pending in court or a pre-litigation dispute can be referred to Lok Adalat.
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Conciliation: Parties are encouraged to negotiate and arrive at a mutually acceptable solution.
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Settlement: If both parties agree, a settlement is recorded.
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Award: The Lok Adalat passes an award (decision), which is binding and enforceable.
Legal Status of Lok Adalat Awards
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The award has the same force as a decree of a civil court.
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It is final and binding on all parties.
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No appeal can be made against a Lok Adalat award. However, parties dissatisfied with the outcome may file a fresh case in regular court.
Lok Adalat in India plays a crucial role in delivering accessible, quick, and inexpensive justice. It promotes settlement through compromise and reduces the pressure on regular courts. For individuals and institutions looking for amicable solutions, Lok Adalat serves as a powerful tool of alternative dispute resolution.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as legal advice. We are not doing any advertisement or solicitation work. For specific legal disputes, consult a lawyer or approach the appropriate legal services authority.