Question

. any 5 advantages of lok adalat

in points

Answer 1

Let’s consider the advantages and drawbacks of Lok Adalats.

Advantages:

1. Lok Adalats are meant for conciliated settlement of disputes outside court which is what most of our people like if the matter allows for this kind of settlement. There is a fear among a large number of people about taking disputes to court, not just about delay in getting justice but also for financial reasons. In fact, one of the reasons for the formation of Lok Adalat or people’s court is to provide fair and uncomplicated justice to the financially deprived section of our society. Though government provides legal aids to poor, there is a fear of monetary loss during the time period which is why most people prefer Lok Adalats.

2. Family disputes like property acquisition and matrimonial issues are far better and faster solved by these Lok Adalats in comparison to courts. Though there are family courts for these matters, people would always prefer settlement outside court and in a fairy and just manner which is delivered well by Lok Adalats. It saves time and expenses and also is easier for parties to make their claims which is not the case when the matter is in court and witnesses are afraid of getting involved into legal matters.

3. The number of cases that require jurisdiction is increasing at an alarming rate and let’s face it – we have far inadequate number of courts and judges in our country than we require which leads to unnecessary delay even in smaller cases. If more and more people could understand the significance of Lok Adalats and resort to them for easy litigations, there would be lesser pending cases in the files gathering dust since years in courts.

4. Lok Adalats can be a decent supplement to the work of courts and could contribute to justice in a good way only if awareness is increased and people are encouraged to opt for them. For illiterates and poor there are even more advantages of taking matters to lok adalats. Proceedings are conducted faster and in simple arrangements and even in local languages. They are not strict about procedural laws or Evidence Act and are based more on merits which makes it “People’s Festival of Justice.”

5. There is no absolute need of advocates by the victim and the convict, who can either prefer to have their cases pleaded by the lawyer or simply talk to the judge about the matter directly. This is not a possibility in courts where a third person pleads the case and the people involved only get a say when their turn comes. To explain their stand directly is an advantage that makes people’s court very accessible and easy for people.