Lok Adalats emerge as key pillar of accessible justice

Source: The post ‘Lok Adalats emerge as key pillar of accessible justice’’ has been created, based on “Lok Adalats emerge as key pillar of accessible justice, resolve millions of cases annually” published in “DD NEWS” on 20th December 2025.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-2-Governance

Context: Lok Adalats are an important component of India’s alternative dispute resolution mechanism aimed at delivering accessible and people-centric justice. They function under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and promote amicable settlement of disputes through consensus. By reducing litigation costs and delays, Lok Adalats strengthen access to justice for marginalised and vulnerable sections.

Legal and Institutional Framework

1. Lok Adalats operate under a four-tier structure comprising the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), State Legal Services Authorities, District Legal Services Authorities, and Taluk Legal Services Committees.
2. This decentralised structure ensures justice delivery from the national level to grassroots institutions.
3. Awards passed by Lok Adalats have the status of civil court decrees and are final and binding, with no provision for appeal.

Key Features of Lok Adalats

1. Lok Adalats follow an informal, conciliatory, and non-adversarial procedure.
2. They do not charge court fees, and any fee already paid is refunded upon settlement.
3. They deal with both pre-litigation disputes and pending court cases.
4. National Lok Adalats are organised on pre-notified dates across the country, enabling mass disposal of cases in a single day.
5. The introduction of E-Lok Adalats during the COVID-19 pandemic expanded access through virtual participation.

Role of Permanent Lok Adalats

1. Permanent Lok Adalats handle disputes related to public utility services such as transport, electricity, water, postal services, and telecommunications.
2. They have jurisdiction over cases involving claims up to ₹1 crore.
3. If conciliation fails, Permanent Lok Adalats can adjudicate disputes, ensuring timely and enforceable outcomes.

Significance and Impact

1. Lok Adalats have significantly reduced pendency in regular courts.
2. They provide swift relief to accident victims, farmers, small traders, and consumers.
3. By combining speed, empathy, and legal certainty, Lok Adalats enhance public trust in the justice system.

Challenges

1. Many settlements in Lok Adalats are criticised for mechanical disposal and forced compromises, especially involving vulnerable parties.
2. Lok Adalats have limited jurisdiction, excluding serious criminal matters and complex disputes.
3. Lack of legal awareness among citizens reduces effective utilisation of Lok Adalats.
4. Inconsistent quality of conciliation due to varying expertise of conciliators.
5. Overemphasis on numerical disposal sometimes undermines substantive justice.

Way Forward

1. Ensure voluntary and informed consent of parties to prevent coerced settlements.
2. Improve training and capacity-building of conciliators and judicial officers.
3. Strengthen legal awareness programmes through NALSA and para-legal volunteers.
4. Expand the scope of E-Lok Adalats using secure and user-friendly digital platforms.
5. Introduce monitoring and evaluation mechanisms focusing on quality, not just quantity, of settlements.

Conclusion: Lok Adalats have emerged as a cornerstone of accessible justice in India. Their continued expansion reflects the State’s commitment to an efficient, inclusive, and humane justice delivery system. Strengthening Lok Adalats will further advance the constitutional goal of justice for all.

Question: Lok Adalats have emerged as a key pillar of India’s alternative dispute resolution framework. Discuss their role in ensuring accessible, speedy, and cost-effective justice in India.