E-LOK ADALATS

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CONTEXT:

27 E-Lok Adalats organized in 15 states.

BACKGROUND:

• During the pandemic-induced lockdown, the various legal services authorities adapted to the new normal and moved Lok Adalats to the virtual platform.
• From June to October, 27 E-Lok Adalats had been organised in 27 states leading to the disposal of more than 2.5 lakh cases.
• In November, such E-Lok Adalats were organised in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Telangana which helped dispose of about 12600 cases.
• Not only do the E-Lok Adalats help people of the marginalised and weaker sections access justice during difficult times, they are also cost-effective as it eliminates the need for organisational expenses.
• The Lok Adalats are formed to fulfil the promise given by the preamble of the Indian Constitution– securing Justice – social, economic and political of every citizen of India.
• Article 39A of the Constitution provides for free legal aid to the deprived and weaker sections of the society and to promote justice on the base of equal opportunity.
• Articles 14 and 22(1) of the Constitution also make it compulsory for the State to guarantee equality before the law.
• In 1987, the Legal Services Authorities Act was enacted by the Parliament, which came into force on 9th November 1995 to establish a nationwide uniform network for providing free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society.

Lok Adalats

1. A Lok Adalat is one of the substitute dispute redressal mechanisms.
2. National Legal Services Authority alongside other Legal Services Institutions conducts Lok Adalats.
3. It is a forum where cases or disputes incomplete in the court of law are compromised cordially.

Composition

1. The Lok Adalat is chairman, two members, and one social worker. 
2. The chairman must be a sitting or retired judicial officer.
3. The other two members should be a lawyer

Under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 Lok Adalats have been given statutory status.

CONCLUSION:

1. The Lok Adalat shall not decide the dispute so mentioned at its own instance, instead the same would be decided on the basis of the compromise between the parties.
2. The members shall assist the parties in a sovereign and impartial manner in their attempt to reach a cordial settlement of their dispute

SOURCE: PIB