Question

With reference to Lok Adalats, consider the following statements:

1. They are a form of alternate dispute redressal mechanisms.
2. They have been given statutory status.
3. The award given by Lok adalats is final and binding on all parties.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : 1, 2 and 3
 

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3 only.

• Lok Adalat is one of the alternative dispute redressal mechanisms.
  • It is a forum where disputes/cases pending in the court of law or at pre-litigation stage are settled/ compromised amicably.
  • Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Lok Adalats have been given statutory status under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
  • Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Under the Act, the award (decision) made by the Lok Adalats is deemed to be a decree of a civil court and is final and binding on all parties and no appeal against such an award lies before any court of law.
  • If the parties are not satisfied with the award of the Lok Adalat though there is no provision for an appeal against such an award.
  • Hence the statement 3 is correct.

• The term ‘Lok Adalat’ means ‘People’s Court’ and is based on Gandhian principles.
• As per the Supreme Court, it is an old form of adjudicating system that prevailed in ancient India and its validity has not been taken away even in the modern days too.
• It is one of the components of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system and delivers informal, cheap, and expeditious justice to the common people.
• The first Lok Adalat camp was organized in Gujarat in 1982 as a voluntary and conciliatory agency without any statutory backing for its decisions.