Functions of Lok Adalat
✅ What is Lok Adalat?
Lok Adalat means "People's Court." It is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism in India, where disputes are resolved amicably and speedily, outside of traditional courts.
Lok Adalats function under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 and aim to provide access to justice for all, especially the poor and marginalized.
🔍 Legal Status
Recognized under Section 19 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Award passed by a Lok Adalat is deemed to be a decree of a civil court and is final and binding on all parties (Section 21).
No appeal lies against such an award.
🛠️ Functions of Lok Adalat
1. Settlement of Disputes
Main Function: Facilitate amicable settlement of disputes through conciliation and mutual agreement.
Applies to pending cases or pre-litigation matters in civil, matrimonial, land, and even compoundable criminal cases.
2. Relief Without Formal Trial
Lok Adalats do not follow formal court procedures (no strict evidence or CPC/CrPC).
This makes justice quicker, simpler, and cheaper.
3. Reduction of Court Backlog
By resolving cases early, Lok Adalats help unburden regular courts.
Especially effective for mass settlements like motor accident claims, bank recovery suits, etc.
4. Providing Access to Justice
Lok Adalats serve people who cannot afford to go to regular courts.
No court fees are charged, and if already paid, it is refunded when case goes to Lok Adalat.
5. Promoting Legal Awareness
Lok Adalats encourage parties to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Promotes a culture of peaceful resolution and compromise in society.
6. Award and Enforcement
The award passed by a Lok Adalat is:
Binding
Non-appealable
Enforceable as a court decree
7. Types of Cases Handled
Civil cases: Property disputes, matrimonial cases, consumer complaints.
Criminal (compoundable) cases: Road accidents, cheque bounce under Section 138 NI Act.
Pre-litigation matters: Before any suit is filed.
⚖️ Important Case Laws
1. State of Punjab v. Jalour Singh (2008)
Supreme Court clarified that Lok Adalats do not have adjudicatory powers.
They can only settle disputes with the consent of both parties.
If no settlement is reached, the matter is returned to the regular court.
2. B.P. Moideen Sevamandir v. A.M. Kutty Hassan (2009)
The court held that once an award is passed by Lok Adalat, it is final and cannot be reopened in a civil suit.
Reinforced that the award has the same status as a court decree.
3. LIC of India v. Suresh Kumar (2011)
Supreme Court upheld the validity and enforceability of Lok Adalat awards.
Emphasized that these awards are binding and must be respected.
📊 Summary Table
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Settlement of Disputes | Amicable resolution through compromise |
| Relief Without Trial | No formal procedures or technicalities |
| Court Backlog Reduction | Resolves minor disputes quickly |
| Access to Justice | Free of cost, accessible to poor and illiterate |
| Enforceable Awards | Same status as civil court decree |
| Legal Awareness | Encourages negotiation and peaceful resolution |
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