Online Permanent Lok Adalat
Context:
Recently, Kerala became the first state to launch Online Permanent Lok Adalat Services.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Government policies and interventions)
Key Highlights:
- Kerala is the first state to offer online Permanent Lok Adalat services.
- Permanent Lok Adalats are established under Section 22-B of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
- They have powers equivalent to a civil court under the Civil Procedure Code, 1908.
- They serve as a mandatory pre-litigation platform for resolving public utility disputes.
- Their decisions are final and binding on all parties.
- They can handle disputes involving claims up to ₹1 crore.
What is ADR?
- Alternative Dispute Resolution is a platform where parties resolve their disputes and disagreements by arriving at an amenable settlement through dialogues and discussions.
- The ADR system can be classified under various types:
- Arbitration
- Conciliation
- Mediation
- Judicial Settlements inclusive of Lok Adalats
- Negotiations
Advantages of ADR:
ADR works on the pillars of mutual understanding and effective negotiation. Hence, it has many advantages over the traditional judicial systems, including:
- Cost-effective: The trials include the main parties in dispute and save a lot of money on legal fees, expert fees, and also lost work time.
- Time-efficient: The proceedings are usually very quick, just within 2-3 months, and save plenty of time unlike the normal court proceedings that take years to come to a final conclusion.
- Flexible: The conclusions are often more viable and flexible, unlike conventional trials.
- Creative Outcomes: The solutions are mostly positive, as it helps both parties come to a creative solution that focus on their needs and goals
Prelims Practice Question:
Q. With reference to Permanent Lok Adalats in India, consider the following statements:
- They can handle disputes related to public utility services only.
- Their awards are binding but can be appealed in a civil court.
- They are established under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
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