Jurisdiction of Lok Adalats in India

Lok Adalats or People’s Courts, stand as a unique and influential alternative dispute resolution mechanism in India. Established with the aim of providing a swift and amicable resolution to disputes, Lok Adalats have a jurisdiction that spans a diverse range of civil, criminal and family-related cases.

This article delves into the comprehensive jurisdiction of Lok Adalats, highlighting their role in the legal landscape of the country.

General Jurisdiction of Lok Adalats in India

One of the distinctive features of Lok Adalats is their broad jurisdiction, enabling them to address a variety of disputes. According to the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, a Lok Adalat has the authority to determine and arrive at a compromise or settlement between parties in disputes pertaining to:

• Cases Pending Before Any Court: Lok Adalats can intervene in disputes that are already pending before any court. This includes civil, criminal and family-related cases awaiting resolution through traditional legal channels.
• Matters Not Brought Before Any Court: Matters that fall within the jurisdiction of a court but have not been brought before it can be referred to Lok Adalats. This emphasises the proactive role of Lok Adalats in addressing disputes that might not have entered the formal legal system.

Pecuniary Jurisdiction of Lok Adalats in India

Pecuniary jurisdiction refers to the monetary limit up to which a court or tribunal has the authority to hear and adjudicate cases. The pecuniary jurisdiction of Lok Adalats is an important aspect that determines the range of cases that can be brought before them. Here’s an exploration of the pecuniary jurisdiction of Lok Adalats in India:

Limited Monetary Jurisdiction of Lok Adalats

Lok Adalats operate within a specific monetary jurisdiction, defining the maximum amount of money involved in a dispute that they can handle.

Upto Rs. Ten Lakhs

As per the provisions outlined in the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, the pecuniary jurisdiction of Lok Adalats is limited to cases where the amount in dispute does not exceed Rs. Ten Lakhs.

Scope of Jurisdiction

This monetary limit encompasses a wide range of civil, criminal and family-related cases. Cases falling within this financial threshold can be referred to and adjudicated by Lok Adalats.

Comprehensive Coverage

The Rs. Ten Lakhs limit ensures that Lok Adalats can address a substantial number of cases, covering issues such as motor accident claims, compensation claims, family disputes, land-related matters and more.

Scope of Jurisdiction of Lok Adalats in India

Lok Adalats exhibit remarkable versatility in handling a multitude of cases. Some of the key areas where Lok Adalats exercise their jurisdiction include:

Compoundable Civil, Revenue and Criminal Cases

Lok Adalats can effectively handle compoundable civil, revenue and criminal cases. The emphasis is on facilitating compromises and settlements that serve the interests of all parties involved.

Motor Accident Compensation Claims Cases

Cases related to motor accidents and compensation claims fall within the purview of Lok Adalats. This allows for a faster resolution of such matters, acknowledging the urgency often associated with accident-related disputes.

Family and Matrimonial Disputes

Lok Adalats play a crucial role in resolving family and matrimonial disputes. Issues such as divorce, child custodyhttps://lawbhoomi.com/child-custody-laws-in-india/ and property matters can be addressed through the conciliatory approach of Lok Adalats.

Land-related Cases

Lok Adalats are competent to handle disputes related to land, including partition claims, mutation of lands cases and cases involving land acquisition.

Bonded Labour Cases

Matters concerning bonded labour, a social issue of significant concern, can be brought before Lok Adalats for resolution.

Bank’s Unpaid Loan Cases

Lok Adalats extend their jurisdiction to cases involving unpaid loans from banks, promoting a fair and efficient resolution process.

Arrears of Retirement Benefits Cases

Disputes related to the arrears of retirement benefits also fall within the ambit of Lok Adalats.

Family Court Cases

Lok Adalats contribute to the resolution of family court cases, ensuring that family-related disputes are addressed with sensitivity and promptness.

Non-Subjudice Cases

Cases that are not subjudice, meaning they are not under judicial consideration, can be referred to Lok Adalats for resolution.

Handling Criminal Cases

An intriguing aspect of Lok Adalats is their ability to compromise and settle even criminal cases. This is subject to the condition that the criminal cases are compoundable under the relevant laws. The inclusion of criminal cases in the jurisdiction of Lok Adalats reflects their commitment to providing a comprehensive alternative to traditional legal proceedings.

Informal and Flexible Proceedings

Lok Adalats operate with a certain degree of informality and flexibility. Unlike traditional courts, they are not bound by the procedural intricacies outlined in the Code of Civil Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act. Instead, Lok Adalats conduct proceedings based on principles of natural justice, equity and fair play. This informal approach contributes to a more accessible and accommodating dispute resolution process.

Voluntary Participation and Binding Decisions

Participation in Lok Adalat proceedings is voluntary and both parties must agree to engage in the process. The decisions reached in Lok Adalats are not mere recommendations; they are binding and official on both parties. The status of the decisions is equivalent to a court decree, emphasising their legal validity and enforceability.

Conclusion

Lok Adalats in India wield a broad jurisdiction that spans various civil, criminal and family-related disputes and have pecuniary jurisdiction of Rs 10 Lakhs. Their proactive approach, coupled with a commitment to conciliation and compromise, makes them a significant player in the legal landscape.

Lok Adalats not only contribute to the expeditious resolution of cases but also play a vital role in reducing the backlog of cases in traditional courts. By addressing a wide spectrum of disputes and promoting a participatory and voluntary approach to conflict resolution, Lok Adalats stand as a testament to the inclusive and innovative aspects of the Indian legal system.