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Lok Adalat
Context:
On September 14, 2024, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, organised the third National Lok Adalat across taluks, districts, and High Courts in 27 states.
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- A total of 1,14,56,529 cases were settled, including 94,60,864 pre-litigation cases and 19,95,665 cases pending in various courts.
- The types of cases resolved ranged from criminal compoundable offences, traffic challans, and revenue cases to bank recovery cases, motor accident claims, cheque dishonour cases, labour disputes, matrimonial disputes (excluding divorce), land acquisition cases, and intellectual property rights or consumer matters.
- The total settlement amount was approximately ₹8,482.08 crore.
- The timelines for the 3 National Lok Adalats in 2024 are March 9 for the 1st, May 11 for the 2nd, September 14 for the 3rd, with the 4th one expected to be held on 14th December.
About Lok Adalat:
- Lok Adalat means “People’s Court” and is based on Gandhian principles.
- It promotes the constitutional mandate of Article 39-A of the India Constitution.
- It is a forum where disputes/cases pending in the court of law or at pre-litigation stage civil and criminal are settled/ compromised amicably.
- Awards (decisions) by Lok Adalats are deemed as decrees of a civil court; they are final and binding on all parties.
- No appeal against such an award lies before any court of law.
- There is no court fee payable when a matter is filed in a Lok Adalat.
- Lok Adalats can be held at district, state, and national levels.
- The lok adalats are conducted in a single day by NALSA.
Achievements of Lok Adalat in providing access to justice :
- Reduction of Case Backlogs: In 2024, they have disposed of over 3 crore cases so far, including both pre-litigation and pending cases, easing the burden on courts.
- Accessibility to Justice: They ensure accessibility to justice through cost-free services, allowing economically disadvantaged individuals to resolve disputes without court fees.
- The proceedings are conducted in local languages in an informal and user-friendly environment, further promoting inclusivity.
- Promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Lok Adalats also contribute to the promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) by integrating negotiation, mediation, and conciliation in their process.
- Their legitimacy is reinforced by statutory recognition under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
- Contribution to Social Justice: In terms of social justice, Lok Adalats have empowered marginalised communities by eliminating traditional legal barriers, encouraging community engagement, and fostering social harmony.
- Permanent and Mobile Lok Adalats: Finally, the introduction of Permanent and Mobile Lok Adalats has extended the reach of justice to remote and underserved areas, ensuring that more people have access to legal solutions across the country.
Reasons for Lok Adalat success:
Dynamic Preparation Strategies:
- Consultative Meetings: NALSA organises preparatory meetings with State Legal Services Authorities to streamline case disposal strategies and align stakeholders’ objectives.
- Case Identification: Cases with higher chances of settlement, including pre-litigation and pending cases, are identified beforehand, focusing on compoundable cases.
Technological Integration:
- E-Lok Adalats: Virtual platforms enable remote participation, expanding access to justice and saving resources for litigants and the judiciary.
- Digital Infrastructure: Continuous digital enhancements ensure smooth proceedings and better monitoring of cases.
- Stakeholder Engagement with local Authority and Focus on High Impact cases under financial laws, such as the Negotiable Instruments Act, boosting settlement rates.
- Pre-Lok Adalat Sessions:Pre-Event Negotiations between parties are encouraged before the Lok Adalat to increase the chances of settlements.
- Awareness Campaigns: Public Outreach: Legal awareness initiatives help educate the public on their rights and the benefits of resolving disputes through Lok Adalats, encouraging participation.