Why in the News?
Permanent Lok Adalats in as many as 16 districts of Rajasthan have ceased functioning owing to the non-extension of tenure of their presiding officers and members.
About Permanent Lok Adalats (PLAs)
- Legal Basis: PLAs are statutory bodies established under Section 22-B of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
- Establishment: They were introduced in 2002 to offer speedy and affordable dispute resolution for public utility services.
- Disputes Handled: PLAs resolve issues related to transport (air, road, water), postal, telecom, electricity, water supply, sanitation, healthcare, and insurance.
- Composition: Each PLA has a Chairman (a current or retired District Judge or higher) and 2 members with experience in the relevant public utility sectors.
- Functioning: Unlike regular Lok Adalats, PLAs operate on a continuous basis and are always available for dispute resolution.
- Jurisdiction Limit: They can hear cases involving claims up to ₹1 crore but cannot take up non-compoundable criminal cases.
- Unique Power: If conciliation fails, the PLA has the authority to adjudicate the dispute and issue a final and BINDING award, just like a civil court.
Back2Basics: Lok Adalats vs Permanent Lok Adalats
| Lok Adalats | Permanent Lok Adalats | |
| Nature | Ad hoc, held occasionally | Permanent, functional continuously |
| Jurisdiction | Broad (civil, compoundable criminal, family, etc.) | Limited to public utility service disputes |
| Dispute Stage | Usually post-litigation | Pre-litigation stage only |
| Panel Composition | Judicial officers, lawyers, social workers | Chairman (Judge) + 2 experts in utility services |
| Conciliation Role | Only conciliatory; no decision if no settlement | Can adjudicate if no settlement is reached |
| Decision | Binding only if parties agree | Award is final and binding, with no appeal |
| Legal Status | Decree of a civil court | Also a civil court decree, but with adjudication power |
| Appeal Provision | No appeal, but fresh suit possible | No appeal, but constitutional remedies may apply |
| [UPSC 2009] With reference to Lok Adalats, consider the following statements:
1. An award made by a Lok Adalat is deemed to be a degree of a civil court and no appeal lies against thereto before any court. 2. Matrimonial/Family disputes are not covered under Lok Adalat. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Options: (a) 1 only * (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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