Q. Consider the following statements regarding powers and functioning of Lok Adalats:
1. It has the jurisdiction to settle those matters pending before any court but not the matters which are at the pre-litigation stage.
2. It can deal only with matters which are civil in nature, and not criminal matters.
3. An appeal against the judgement of Lok Adalat shall lie to Supreme court directly.
How many of the statements given above is/ are incorrect?
Exp) Option c is the correct answer
Statement 1 is incorrect: Lok Adalat has jurisdiction to determine and to arrive at a compromise or settlement between the parties to a dispute in respect of any case pending before any court and for any matter which falls within the jurisdiction of any court and not brought before such a court (pre-litigation stage).
Statement 2 is incorrect: Lok Adalat deals with civil cases and criminal matters (compoundable offences). The offences which are non-compoundable in nature fall outside the purview of Lok Adalat.
Statement 3 is incorrect: An award of Lok Adalat is like a decree of civil court. So, the decision of Lok Adalat is final and binding on the parties to the dispute. Hence no appeal shall lie to any court. It reduces the delay in settlement of disputes.
