Lok Adalats And Criminal Settlement
✅ What are Lok Adalats?
Lok Adalats (People’s Courts) are alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Their objective is to provide speedy, cost-effective, and amicable settlement of disputes.
They deal primarily with civil matters and compoundable criminal cases.
Decisions (awards) passed by Lok Adalats are final and binding on parties and are deemed to be a decree of a civil court.
No appeal lies against the award, except through a fresh suit or litigation on limited grounds.
✅ Criminal Settlement through Lok Adalats
Lok Adalats can take cognizance of compoundable criminal offences (offences where the complainant can agree to withdraw the complaint).
Non-compoundable offences cannot be settled in Lok Adalats.
The process encourages parties to settle disputes amicably without prolonged litigation.
It reduces the burden on courts and expedites justice.
Legal Provisions:
Section 320 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC): Specifies the compoundable offences.
Section 19 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987: Provides for Lok Adalats.
Awards passed by Lok Adalats have the same status as a civil court decree.
Important Case Laws on Lok Adalats and Criminal Settlements
1. State of Punjab v. Jalour Singh (2006) 8 SCC 40
Facts:
The Supreme Court examined the role and scope of Lok Adalats in criminal cases.
Judgment:
The Court held that Lok Adalats have jurisdiction only over compoundable criminal offences.
Lok Adalats do not try cases but facilitate settlement between parties.
If parties settle, Lok Adalat passes an award which is binding and final.
If no settlement is reached, the case goes back to the regular court.
Importance:
Clarified that Lok Adalats promote amicable settlement and do not conduct formal trials.
2. Municipal Corporation of Delhi v. Female Workers (Muster Roll) (2000) 3 SCC 224
Facts:
A dispute involving workers was settled through Lok Adalat.
Judgment:
The Supreme Court held that an award passed by Lok Adalat has the status of a decree and is final and binding on the parties.
No appeal lies against the award.
The award is enforceable like a civil court decree.
Importance:
Strengthened the finality of Lok Adalat awards.
3. K. Ramachandra Reddy v. K. Suryanarayana (1999) 3 SCC 230
Facts:
In this case, the issue was whether an award passed by Lok Adalat is appealable.
Judgment:
The Court ruled that Lok Adalat awards are not appealable.
The only remedy is to approach a civil court for setting aside the award on limited grounds like fraud, coercion, or failure of consent.
Importance:
Emphasized the binding and final nature of Lok Adalat decisions.
4. Shree Balaji Traders v. Union of India (1998) 8 SCC 471
Facts:
The issue was regarding the scope of Lok Adalats and the powers to entertain various disputes.
Judgment:
The Supreme Court held that Lok Adalats are meant for amicable settlement and do not have powers to decide issues on merits.
They are forums for conciliation, mediation, and compromise.
Importance:
Confirmed Lok Adalats’ limited role in dispute resolution.
5. Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board v. Mahender Nath (2009) 2 SCC 10
Facts:
The case involved a settlement of a dispute through Lok Adalat regarding electricity bills.
Judgment:
The Court held that where parties reach a compromise before the Lok Adalat, the award is final and binding.
Courts should not interfere in such settlements unless there is fraud or coercion.
Importance:
Reinforced the finality of criminal settlements in Lok Adalats.
Additional Insights:
Lok Adalats are especially useful in resolving minor offences like:
Defamation,
Hurt,
Voluntarily causing hurt,
Criminal trespass,
Negligent acts,
Offences punishable with fine or imprisonment up to 2 years.
They help reduce the backlog in courts.
Provide a friendly and informal atmosphere for dispute resolution.
Both parties must consent for the settlement to be valid.
Non-compoundable offences (like murder, rape, etc.) are excluded.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Lok Adalat in Criminal Cases |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Compoundable offences only |
| Power | Facilitate settlement, no formal trial |
| Award Status | Final, binding, equivalent to civil court decree |
| Appeal | No appeal against award |
| Consent | Required from both parties |
| Non-compoundable offences | Cannot be settled |
Conclusion
Lok Adalats play a crucial role in the Indian criminal justice system by offering an alternative dispute resolution mechanism for minor offences. They help parties settle disputes amicably, reduce litigation costs, and alleviate court burdens. However, their role is limited to compoundable offences, and awards passed by them are binding and final, ensuring quick justice.
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