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
YOU MAY READ
The High Courts and Subordinate Courts
The Constitution of India has provided for a High Court for each state. However, there may be one High Court for two states or union territories. This depends on the area and the population of the state or a union territory. There are 21 High Courts in India. Delhi is the only union territory which has a High Court of its own. Read more
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Human rights refer to freedoms and rights which should be available to all human beings irrespective of their caste, class, gender and religion. These rights include the right to life, the right to freedom of speech and expression, the right to equality, the right to education etc. Read more