Lok Adalats are presided over by judicial officers and other persons, who possess such qualifications as may be prescribed by the State. They make an endeavour to bring compromise or agreement between the parties. On October 6, 1985, for the first time the Lok Adalats were held in Delhi. Justice P. N. Bhagwati inaugurated the Adalats. On the first day, five Lok Adalats were held. On this day 116 persons received compensation to the tune of Rs. 35 lakhs. These people had been contesting their motor accident claims since 1978-79. Delhi Transport Corporation immediately made payment to the aggrieved parties. The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 provides that State or district authorities will organize Lok Adalats from time to time. The advantages of Lok Adalats are discussed below
Advantages of Lok Adalats
(i) The Lok Adalats work in the spirit of compromise and understanding, as a result, both the parties feel satisfied.
(ii) It saves money, time, and unnecessary harassment.
(iii) The Lok Adalats can relieve the Law Courts of the heavy backlog of the cases.
(iv) It reduces delay in the disposal of cases
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