0804 Scope of Lok Adalat

Scope of Lok Adalat

    Lok Adalat, which means "People's Court," is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism provided under the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987. It aims to provide speedy and cost-effective justice to the litigants. Lok Adalat has a broad scope and covers various types of cases, including civil, criminal, matrimonial, and compoundable offenses. 

The scope of Lok Adalat includes:

Civil Cases: 

    Lok Adalat has the authority to settle civil disputes, such as property disputes, partition suits, landlord-tenant disputes, contract disputes, and other civil matters. The parties involved in the dispute can approach the Lok Adalat to resolve their issues through conciliation or compromise.

Matrimonial Cases: 

    Lok Adalat handles matrimonial disputes, including divorce, child custody, alimony, and maintenance cases. The Lok Adalat provides a platform for the parties to discuss their issues and arrive at a mutually acceptable solution with the assistance of legal professionals.

Criminal Cases: 

    Lok Adalat deals with certain types of criminal cases that are compoundable offenses, i.e., offenses where the victim and the accused can reach a compromise. These offenses include petty offenses, traffic violations, and minor criminal offenses. The Lok Adalat encourages reconciliation between the parties involved and facilitates the withdrawal of criminal charges.

Motor Accident Claims: 

    Lok Adalat has the jurisdiction to settle motor accident compensation claims. In such cases, the Lok Adalat considers the evidence, medical reports, and other relevant factors to determine the compensation amount to be awarded to the victim or their dependents.

Public Utility Disputes: 

    Lok Adalat can address disputes related to public utilities such as electricity bills, water bills, telecommunication services, and consumer grievances. The Lok Adalat aims to resolve these disputes amicably and ensure fair treatment for the consumers.

Functions of Lok Adalat

    Lok Adalat performs several functions to facilitate the resolution of disputes in an efficient and fair manner. The key functions of Lok Adalat include:

Conciliation and Mediation: 

    Lok Adalat promotes conciliation and mediation as methods of dispute resolution. Trained mediators and conciliators facilitate the negotiation process between the parties to reach a mutually acceptable settlement.

Settlement of Disputes: 

    The primary function of Lok Adalat is to settle disputes by encouraging compromise and settlement between the parties. The decisions made by the Lok Adalat are binding on the parties and have the same legal force as a court decree.

Adjudication: 

    If the parties fail to reach a settlement through conciliation or mediation, the Lok Adalat has the power to adjudicate the matter and pass an award or judgment. The award is enforceable as a decree of a civil court.

Legal Awareness: 

    Lok Adalat plays a crucial role in creating legal awareness among the public. It organizes legal literacy camps, seminars, and workshops to educate people about their rights and legal remedies available to them.

Types of Lok Adalat

Lok Adalat operates through various types or categories, depending on the nature and scope of the cases. The different types of Lok Adalat include:

National Level Lok Adalat: 

    The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) organizes National Level Lok Adalats across the country. These Lok Adalats focus on resolving high-profile cases and cases of national importance.

Permanent Lok Adalat: 

    Permanent Lok Adalats are established under the Act to deal with specific types of cases, such as public utility disputes and motor accident compensation claims. These Lok Adalats have a permanent structure and function throughout the year.

Mobile Lok Adalat:

     Mobile Lok Adalats are set up to reach out to remote areas and provide access to justice to those who have limited means or face geographical barriers. These Lok Adalats travel to different locations and conduct on-the-spot settlements and hearings.

Mega Lok Adalat: 

    Mega Lok Adalats are organized on specific occasions, such as National Lok Adalat Day or Legal Services Day. These Lok Adalats handle a large number of cases and aim to clear the backlog of pending cases.

Special Lok Adalat: 

    Special Lok Adalats are constituted to deal with specific types of cases or to address particular issues. For example, special Lok Adalats may be set up to resolve family disputes, land acquisition matters, or labor-related disputes.

    The Legal Services Authority Act, 1987 provides a wide range of provisions for the establishment and functioning of Lok Adalats, making them an integral part of the Indian legal system. Lok Adalats have proved to be an effective means of resolving disputes and providing access to justice to a larger section of the population.