What is Lok Adalat?

A Lok Adalat is a forum for the settlement of disputes through conciliation and compromise. It is a system of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that aims to provide a speedy and inexpensive way to resolve disputes. Lok Adalats are held under the aegis of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.

Key features of Lok Adalats:

  • Lok Adalats are presided over by a panel of judges, lawyers, and other professionals.
  • The parties to the dispute are encouraged to participate in the settlement process and reach an amicable agreement.
  • The decisions of Lok Adalats are binding on the parties.
  • The awards of Lok Adalats are final and cannot be challenged in a court of law.

Who can approach a Lok Adalat?

Any person who has a dispute can approach a Lok Adalat. The dispute can be civil or criminal, and it can be pending in court or at the pre-litigation stage.

What are the benefits of approaching a Lok Adalat?

The main benefit of approaching a Lok Adalat is that it is a speedy and inexpensive way to resolve disputes. Lok Adalats also have a high settlement rate, which means that most disputes are resolved amicably.

Here are some MCQs on Lok Adalats:

  1. Which of the following is not a feature of Lok Adalats?
    • They are presided over by a panel of judges, lawyers, and other professionals.
    • The parties to the dispute are encouraged to participate in the settlement process.
    • The decisions of Lok Adalats are binding on the parties.
    • The awards of Lok Adalats can be challenged in a court of law.
    • The maximum amount that can be awarded by a Lok Adalat is ₹50,000.
    • The correct answer is the awards of Lok Adalats can be challenged in a court of law. The awards of Lok Adalats are final and cannot be challenged in a court of law.
  2. What is the maximum amount that can be awarded by a Lok Adalat?
    • ₹50,000
    • ₹100,000
    • ₹200,000
    • ₹300,000
    • ₹500,000
    • The correct answer is ₹50,000. The maximum amount that can be awarded by a Lok Adalat is ₹50,000.
  3. What is the settlement rate of Lok Adalats?
    • 50%
    • 60%
    • 70%
    • 80%
    • 90%
    • The correct answer is 80%. The settlement rate of Lok Adalats is around 80%, which means that most disputes are resolved amicably.