Lok Adalat, meaning “People’s Court”, is a unique and effective form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in India. It is aimed at providing cheap, speedy, and amicable settlement of disputes without resorting to lengthy litigation. Established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, Lok Adalats play a crucial role in enhancing access to justice for all.
What is Lok Adalat?
Lok Adalat is a forum where disputes/cases pending in court of law or at pre-litigation stage are settled amicably by the parties with the help of judicial officers, lawyers, and social workers. The primary objective is to deliver justice in a non-adversarial and consensual manner.
The decisions of Lok Adalat are binding and final, with no further appeal, ensuring prompt and cost-effective resolution.
Legal Framework: Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
Key Provisions Relevant to Lok Adalat
- Section 19: Establishment of Lok Adalats
- Section 20: Cognizance of cases by Lok Adalat
- Section 21: Award of Lok Adalat to be deemed a decree of civil court
- Section 22: Powers of Lok Adalat – similar to that of a civil court under the CPC
Lok Adalats are conducted by the Legal Services Authorities at the national, state, district, and taluka levels.
Types of Lok Adalat
- Permanent Lok Adalat (PLA)
- Deals with public utility services such as transport, postal, and telegraph.
- Can adjudicate disputes even when parties fail to reach a settlement.
- National Lok Adalat
- Held across the country on a single day on a specific subject matter.
- Large number of cases are disposed of in a single sitting.
- State, District, and Taluk Level Lok Adalats
- Organised periodically by respective legal services authorities.
- Handles pending court cases and pre-litigation matters.
- Mobile Lok Adalats
- Travel to remote areas to settle disputes and provide legal awareness.
Types of Cases Handled by Lok Adalats
- Matrimonial and family disputes
- Motor Accident Claims
- Land acquisition matters
- Bank recovery cases
- Labour disputes
- Public utility bills (electricity, water, etc.)
- Compoundable criminal offences
- Civil cases including money recovery
Features and Benefits of Lok Adalat
- No Court Fee: If the dispute is settled at Lok Adalat, the court fee paid is refunded.
- Speedy Disposal: Cases are settled quickly in a single day.
- Binding Award: The decision is final and has the same status as a civil court decree.
- No Appeal: No provision for appeal, ensuring finality of decisions.
- Voluntary Participation: Both parties must agree to settlement.
- Informal Proceedings: No strict procedural laws or evidence rules are followed.
Legal Status of Lok Adalat Awards
Under Section 21 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, the award passed by Lok Adalat is deemed to be a decree of a civil court. It is final and binding on all parties, and no appeal lies against it. However, if parties are not satisfied, they can opt to initiate formal litigation.
Difference Between Lok Adalat and Regular Courts
| Basis | Lok Adalat | Regular Courts |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure | Informal and flexible | Formal and strictly procedural |
| Decision | Based on compromise | Based on adjudication of rights |
| Appeal | No appeal allowed | Appeal available |
| Cost | No court fee | Court fees applicable |
| Time | Disposed in a single day or sitting | May take years |