What are Lok Adalat’s and Why are they Necessary?
🔹 What are Lok Adalats?
Lok Adalat (meaning "People’s Court") is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, to provide speedy, cost-effective, and amicable settlement of disputes.
It is based on the principles of conciliation, compromise, and mutual consent — offering parties a platform to resolve disputes without formal litigation.
🔹 Legal Basis
Statutory Authority: Lok Adalats are established under Section 19 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Award Binding: As per Section 21 of the same Act, the award passed by a Lok Adalat is deemed to be a decree of a civil court and is final and binding on all parties, with no appeal.
🔹 Types of Lok Adalats
Permanent Lok Adalats (PLAs) – For public utility services like transport, postal, telegraph, water, etc. (Section 22B).
National Lok Adalats – Held monthly across the country on a single day to dispose of high-volume cases.
State/District Lok Adalats – Organized periodically by legal services authorities at various levels.
Mobile Lok Adalats – Travel to rural or remote areas to resolve disputes.
🔹 Nature of Cases Handled
Lok Adalats deal with:
Civil disputes (including matrimonial, property, contract matters)
Compoundable criminal offences
Motor Accident Claims (MACT)
Bank recovery matters
Utility bill disputes (electricity, water, etc.)
Note: Non-compoundable criminal offences cannot be settled in Lok Adalats.
🔹 Why Are Lok Adalats Necessary?
1. Reducing Pendency in Courts
India has a huge backlog of cases in courts (over 4 crore cases pending).
Lok Adalats help decongest the judicial system by resolving disputes quickly and efficiently.
2. Speedy and Affordable Justice
Proceedings are informal, free of cost, and quick.
Ideal for poor or marginalized individuals who may not afford litigation.
3. Promotes Harmony
Settlements are based on mutual consent, ensuring no winners or losers.
Particularly effective in family or community disputes where preserving relationships is important.
4. Accessible Justice
Mobile Lok Adalats and rural outreach make justice accessible even in remote areas.
Supports Article 39A of the Constitution — equal justice and free legal aid.
🔹 Important Case Laws
✅ State of Punjab v. Jalour Singh (2008) 2 SCC 660
Held: Lok Adalat has no jurisdiction to decide a matter on merits.
It can only pass awards based on settlement or compromise between parties.
Reinforced that mutual consent is essential for Lok Adalat’s jurisdiction.
✅ Bar Council of India v. Union of India (2012)
The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of ADR mechanisms like Lok Adalats in reducing the burden on regular courts and delivering accessible justice.
✅ Afcons Infrastructure Ltd. v. Cherian Varkey Construction Co. (P) Ltd. (2010) 8 SCC 24
The Court highlighted that Lok Adalats are ideal for resolving disputes that do not involve complicated questions of law or facts.
Encouraged judges to refer suitable cases to Lok Adalats.
✅ United India Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Ajay Sinha (2008) 7 SCC 454
Reiterated that the award of a Lok Adalat is final and binding, and cannot be challenged by way of appeal or revision.
🔹 Features of Lok Adalat Awards
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Finality | No appeal lies against the award. |
| Binding Nature | Same effect as a civil court decree. |
| Consent-Based | Award must be based on mutual agreement. |
| Speedy Disposal | Cases often disposed of in a single sitting. |
| No Court Fee | If court fee was paid, it is refunded upon settlement. |
🔹 Limitations
Cannot adjudicate non-compoundable criminal offences.
Cannot pass judgment without parties' consent.
Not suitable for highly contentious disputes or matters requiring complex legal interpretation.
🔹 Conclusion
Lok Adalats play a critical role in India’s justice delivery system. They:
Promote access to justice, particularly for economically weaker sections.
Reduce the burden on the judiciary.
Provide quick, amicable, and cost-effective solutions.
In a country with vast diversity, limited resources, and enormous caseloads, Lok Adalats are not just helpful — they are a legal necessity to ensure that justice is not delayed or denied.
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