Question

Study the picture and answer the following questions:

1. Identify the court whose logo is given in the picture on the right. How do these courts function?
2. What are the advantages of resolution of disputes through such courts?
3. What is the scope of a Lok Adalat in India?

Answer 1

1. This is Lok Adalat's logo. 
   Lok Adalat translates to 'the people's court. The volunteer form comprises public-spirited individuals such as Supreme Court judges, attorneys, students, and social workers. They persuade both sides to present their claims for quick resolution.
   The Lok Adalats follow the following principles:
   1. The Lok Adalats are presided over by judicial officers and qualified individuals as defined by the state.
   2. They aim to reach a compromise or agreement between the parties.
   3. Lok Adalats are organised periodically.
   4. Lok Adalat's choices are now considered Civil Court orders, binding on all parties involved.
   5. They are responsible for resolving disputes regarding public utilities, transportation, postal services, and communications.
2. The benefits of resolving conflicts through Lok Adalats are:
   1. Lok Adalats help settle family feuds, neighbour disputes, and minor assaults and injuries by compromise. Lok Adalats promotes compromise and understanding, leaving both parties satisfied.
   2. Lok Adalats provide quick and affordable justice. Anyone can apply for Lok Adalat by submitting an application on plain paper or using the format provided by Legal Service Authorities and expect quick resolution.
   3. Lok Adalats reduce the workload of other courts, allowing them to handle more severe cases. This decreases delays at higher courts.
   4. Lok Adalats promotes social justice by offering legal aid to marginalized groups.
3. Lok Adalats have grown in popularity, with government departments such as the Telephone Department, Traffic, and Electricity Boards holding them daily to resolve hundreds of issues.
   1. Frequent Lok Adalats and extended jurisdiction are urgently required.
   2. Many cases are pending in courts across India.
   3. These courts can settle family conflicts, neighbour disagreements, minor assaults and injuries.
   4. Court proceedings can be costly and time-consuming for lower-income individuals.
   5. In Delhi, permanent Lok Adalats have been established to adjudicate disputes related to the Delhi Development Authority, Mahanagar Telephone Nigam, Municipal Corporation, and National Insurance Co. Ltd. This promotes social justice.