Lok Adalats
Context: The Rajasthan HC’s suo motu cognisance of non-functional Lok Adalats in 16 districts highlights the vital role these statutory forums play in ensuring accessible, speedy justice through mediation and compromise.
Important Pointers:
Lok Adalats: Statutory dispute resolution forums in India established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, for amicable settlement of civil and compoundable criminal cases.
Types of Lok Adalats: Include National Lok Adalats, State/District Lok Adalats, Mobile Lok Adalats, and Permanent Lok Adalats (PLAs), which are institutional bodies that handle public utility service disputes.
Functioning of Permanent Lok Adalats: Resolve disputes related to public utility services like transport, postal, telegraph, etc., through conciliation and settlement before the matter goes to a regular court.
Recent Issue in Rajasthan: Permanent Lok Adalats became non-functional in 16 districts due to non-extension of the tenure of presiding officers and members after April 8, 2024.
Impact of Non-functioning Lok Adalats: Approx. 10,000 cases have been left pending across affected districts; 972 in Jodhpur alone, causing a backlog and denial of speedy justice.
High Court’s Response: The Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter, calling it a serious issue related to "access to justice".
Legal Services Authority's Stand: An order dated May 3 stated that members whose tenure ended on April 8 cannot be involved in ongoing resolution processes, leading to disruption.
Constitutional Angle: The issue engages Article 39A of the Constitution, which promotes equal justice and free legal aid.
Judiciary’s Role: The HC Bench held that policy decisions cannot override the court’s duty to ensure timely and fair trials.