Question

Which one of the following statements about ‘Lok Adalat’ is incorrect ?
1. Under the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987, Lok Adalats have been given a statutory status.
2. Lok Adalats can be constituted of serving or retired judicial persons only.
3. Every award made by the Lok Adalat is final and binding on the parties.
4. The award passed by the Lok Adalat is deemed to be a decree of a civil court.

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Lok Adalats can be constituted of serving or retired judicial persons only.

The correct answer is option 2.

• Under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 Lok Adalats have been given statutory status.
• The decisions of Lok Adalats are considered as a verdict of Civil court and is binding on all parties.
• There is no provision for an appeal against the verdict made by Lok Adalat.
• Composition of Lok Adalats-
  • A Chairman, Two members, and one social worker.
  • Chairman must be a sitting or retired judicial officer.
  • Hence option 2 is incorrect.

​

• The verdict of Lok Adalat is final and there is no provision of further appeal.
• There is no court fee payable when a dispute is filed in a Lok Adalat.

• The National Legal Services Day is celebrated on 9th November.
• Article 39 A of the Constitution provides for free legal aid to the poor and weaker sections of the society, to promote justice on the basis of equal opportunity.