Lok Adalat and its Objectives

Comprehensive analysis of Lok Adalat for UPSC exam preparation. Learn about its objectives, powers, functions, relevant constitutional articles, landmark Supreme Court judgments, and key points. Includes 10 MCQs with answers and explanations.

Lok Adalat and its Objectives

Table of Contents

1.     Lok Adalat

2.     Objectives of Lok Adalat

3.     Relevant Articles and Case Laws

4.     MCQs for UPSC Exam

 

 

Lok Adalat

Lok Adalat, also known as the "people's court," is a legal institution in India governed by the Supreme Court. Established in 1987, Lok Adalats are based on Gandhian principles of reconciliation and negotiation. The primary goal of Lok Adalats is to provide an alternative dispute resolution mechanism to resolve cases that have been pending in courts for a long time. The first Lok Adalat was held in Gujarat in 1982.

 

Key Points:

  • Lok Adalat provides a platform for resolving disputes amicably.
  • Follows principles of natural justice.
  • Cases resolved in Lok Adalat have the same legal status as a civil court decree.

 

Relevant Articles:

  • Article 39A: Provides for free legal aid and ensures that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities.
  • Article 14: Equality before the law.
  • Article 21: Protection of life and personal liberty.

 

Statutory Provisions:

  • Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987: The statutory basis for Lok Adalats. It mandates the establishment of Lok Adalats and provides for the functioning and powers of Lok Adalats.

 

Landmark SC Judgements:

  • State of Punjab v. Jalour Singh (2008): Affirmed that an award of the Lok Adalat is final and binding on the parties and not appealable.

 

 

Objectives of Lok Adalat

The primary objectives of Lok Adalats are:

1.     To provide an alternative to the mainstream judicial system:

·         Lok Adalats serve as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism.

·         They reduce the burden on the formal judicial system.

 

2.     To pace up the legal process and provide fast justice to the needy:

·         Ensures quicker resolution of disputes.

·         Helps in reducing the backlog of cases

 

3.     To reach a fair solution or compromise between the parties:

·         Promotes reconciliation and negotiation.

·         Helps in reaching amicable settlements.

 

Key Points:

  • Lok Adalats are less formal and less expensive.
  • They promote social harmony by resolving disputes amicably.
  • Awards passed by Lok Adalats are enforceable like any court decree.

 

 

Relevant Articles and Case Laws

Relevant Articles:

  • Article 39A: Provides for equal justice and free legal aid.
  • Article 14: Equality before the law.
  • Article 21: Protection of life and personal liberty.

 

Case Laws:

1.     State of Punjab v. Jalour Singh (2008): Lok Adalat awards are final and binding.

2.     P. Ramachandra Rao v. State of Karnataka (2002): Reinforced the importance of speedy trial and the role of Lok Adalats in achieving this goal.

3.     B.P. Moideen Sevamandir v. A.M. Kutty Hassan (2009): Highlighted that Lok Adalat decisions are akin to decrees and hence enforceable.

 

 

MCQs for UPSC Exam

Question 1:

The primary objective of Lok Adalat is:

1.     To increase the number of pending cases in courts.

2.     To provide an alternative dispute resolution mechanism.

3.     To make legal proceedings more complex.

4.     To remove the judiciary system.

Answer: 2. To provide an alternative dispute resolution mechanism.

Explanation: Lok Adalats aim to resolve disputes amicably outside the formal court system.

 

Question 2:

Which article of the Indian Constitution provides for free legal aid to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities?

1.     Article 14

2.     Article 21

3.     Article 32

4.     Article 39A

Answer: 4. Article 39A

Explanation: Article 39A mandates free legal aid to ensure justice for all citizens.

 

Question 3:

Which of the following Acts provides the statutory basis for the establishment of Lok Adalats in India?

1.     Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987

2.     Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996

3.     Indian Penal Code, 1860

4.     Civil Procedure Code, 1908

Answer: 1. Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987

Explanation: The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 provides for the establishment and functioning of Lok Adalats.

 

Question 4:

Who is the head of Lok Adalat?

1.     Chief Justice of India

2.     Governor of the State

3.     Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority

4.     President of India

Answer: 3. Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority

Explanation: Lok Adalats are headed by the Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority.

 

Question 5:

The first Lok Adalat was held in which state of India?

1.     Maharashtra

2.     Gujarat

3.     Karnataka

4.     Tamil Nadu

Answer: 2. Gujarat

Explanation: The first Lok Adalat was held in Gujarat in 1982.

 

Question 6:

Which article of the Indian Constitution guarantees equality before the law?

1.     Article 14

2.     Article 19

3.     Article 21

4.     Article 32

Answer: 1. Article 14

Explanation: Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees equality before the law.

 

Question 7:

Which type of cases can be referred to Lok Adalat?

1.     Criminal cases

2.     Civil cases

3.     Revenue cases

4.     All of the above

Answer: 4. All of the above

Explanation: Lok Adalats can handle a variety of cases including civil, criminal, and revenue cases.

 

Question 8:

Which landmark Supreme Court case affirmed that Lok Adalat awards are final and binding?

1.     Golaknath v. State of Punjab

2.     Keshavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala

3.     State of Punjab v. Jalour Singh

4.     Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain

Answer: 3. State of Punjab v. Jalour Singh

Explanation: The Supreme Court in State of Punjab v. Jalour Singh affirmed the finality and binding nature of Lok Adalat awards.

 

Question 9:

What is the primary principle followed by Lok Adalats?

1.     Adversarial litigation

2.     Gandhian principle of reconciliation

3.     Strict procedural norms

4.     Punitive justice

Answer: 2. Gandhian principle of reconciliation

Explanation: Lok Adalats follow the Gandhian principle of reconciliation and negotiation.

 

Question 10:

Which of the following is not an objective of Lok Adalat?

1.     To provide an alternative to the mainstream judicial system

2.     To delay the legal process

3.     To reach a fair solution or compromise between the parties

4.     To provide fast justice to the needy

Answer: 2. To delay the legal process

Explanation: Lok Adalats aim to expedite the legal process, not delay it.

 

By following this structured format and understanding the relevant constitutional articles, case laws, and objectives, UPSC aspirants can effectively prepare for questions related to Lok Adalats in their exams.

Represent in Structured format and add relevant articles of constitution alsong with landmark SC Judgements of the relevant provisions , also refer relevant statutory law made along with provision.At the end make a list of relevant articles and caselaws.