Types of Lok Adalat
Types of Lok Adalat
1. What is Lok Adalat?
Lok Adalat means “People’s Court.” It is a statutory forum under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 to facilitate alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
Lok Adalat provides a speedy, inexpensive, and amicable settlement of disputes.
It deals primarily with pending cases and pre-litigation disputes.
The awards passed by Lok Adalat are final and binding and have the same status as a civil court decree.
2. Types of Lok Adalat
Lok Adalats are organized in different forms depending on the nature of disputes and the level of administration. The main types are:
A. Permanent Lok Adalat (PLA)
Established under Section 22B of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Deals exclusively with public utility services disputes (e.g., transport, postal, telegraph, water supply, electricity, etc.).
Has jurisdiction to adjudicate disputes where parties fail to reach a settlement, unlike other Lok Adalats.
It is a statutory tribunal with powers similar to a civil court for certain disputes.
Can pass awards even without consent of parties after hearing both sides.
B. National Lok Adalat
Held at a national level on a single day throughout India.
Focuses on settling large numbers of cases at once.
Typically organized monthly or periodically by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
Covers a wide range of cases, including civil, family, criminal compoundable offences, etc.
The awards passed are binding and enforceable.
C. Mega Lok Adalat
Conducted at the state level where all courts in the state organize Lok Adalats simultaneously.
Aims to dispose of large pendency of cases in a single day.
Involves courts at all levels within the state.
Helps reduce backlog and delivers speedy justice.
D. Mobile Lok Adalat
A unique form where Lok Adalat is held in remote or rural areas by traveling from place to place.
Helps reach out to litigants who are unable to access courts easily.
Focuses on settlement of disputes without requiring parties to travel.
Brings legal aid and justice to the doorsteps of people.
3. Case Law Illustrating Lok Adalat Functioning
State of Punjab v. Jalour Singh (2009) 3 SCC 366
The Supreme Court held that awards of Lok Adalat are final and binding on parties and no appeal lies against such awards.
Lok Adalat proceedings are not adversarial but conciliatory, emphasizing settlement and compromise.
Emphasized that the award has the status of a civil court decree.
M.S. Sheikh v. State of Uttar Pradesh AIR 1997 SC 1203
The Supreme Court recognized Lok Adalat as an effective tool of alternate dispute resolution.
Reinforced that Lok Adalat's decisions are not appealable, ensuring finality.
Highlighted the importance of access to justice and reducing burden on regular courts.
4. Summary Table
| Type of Lok Adalat | Features | Jurisdiction & Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Lok Adalat (PLA) | Statutory tribunal for public utility services disputes; can decide if no settlement | Exclusive jurisdiction over public utility services |
| National Lok Adalat | Held nationwide on a single day; resolves bulk cases | All types of disputes across India |
| Mega Lok Adalat | State-level; all courts organize simultaneously | Large pendency cases within a state |
| Mobile Lok Adalat | Traveling Lok Adalat reaching remote areas | Accessible justice to rural/remote litigants |
5. Conclusion
Lok Adalats play a vital role in India’s justice delivery system by providing an affordable, s
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