Lok Adalat: A Judicial Revolution In Indian Legal Landscape
- IJLLR Journal
- Feb 15
- 2 min read
Dr. Nageswara Rao Aienaparthi, Assistant Professor of Law & Assistant Registrar, Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Visakhapatnam.
ABSTRACT
The concept of Lok Adalat’s system developed before independence and particularly during the British regime. This has deep roots in Indian legal history and its close allegiance to the culture and perception of justice in Indian ethos. The introduction of Lok Adalat creates a new chapter in the justice dispensation system of this country. Lok Adalat is one of the components of ADR systems. the concept of this settlement of the dispute through mediation, negotiation, or an arbitral process known as Lok Adalat. In India, the judges and the judicial branch of the Government occupy a prominent and powerful position, indeed, the importance of the Courts.
Right from its inception, the apex Court in India has influenced the national policy-making agenda in significant proportions. In a large number of issues, while deciding the cases, the judiciary marched a long way to materialize the Constitutional goal and the protection of human rights. The judiciary played a vital role in not only providing legal aid but also institutionalizing the concept of Lok Adalat, which evolved as an instrument for providing legal aid. The institution of the judiciary not only influenced the enactment of the Legal Services Authority Act, of 1987 but was also determined so that the Act could be implemented all over the country with its true spirit. The judiciary even directed the Government to provide funds to NGOs to encourage people’s participation through legal awareness, so that the Legal Aid program can succeed. The judiciary delivered many judgments for the strengthening of Lok Adalat. The most vital challenge before the judiciary was to provide access to justice to a large number of people in the country. It went on further directing the Government and Governmental organizations to hold permanent Lok Adalat in their concerned departments to settle the grievances of the citizens speedily and cost-effectively. The judiciary tried its best to provide access to justice to the downtrodden people.
The concept of Lok Adalat’s system developed before independence and particularly during the British regime. This has deep roots in Indian legal history and its close allegiance to the culture and perception of justice in Indian ethos. The introduction of Lok Adalat creates a new chapter in the justice dispensation system of this country.
Lok Adalat, a unique alternate dispute resolution mechanism in India, embodies the principles of mediation, negotiation, and conciliation in its pursuit of amicable dispute resolution. This article explores the origins, objectives, and challenges facing Lok Adalat, emphasizing its role in providing cost-effective and expedited justice to all citizens. It highlights the judiciary's significant contributions to the development and enforcement of Lok Adalat, as well as the need for legislative enhancements to broaden its jurisdiction. The article concludes by acknowledging Lok Adalat's potential as a vital instrument in promoting justice, equality, and access to justice in India's legal landscape.
Keywords: Legal Aid, Legal Literacy, NGO, Judiciary, and speedy justice. etc
