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 scope of Lok Adalats is discussed below
Scope of Lok Adalats
The concept of Lok Adalat is Gandhian in spirit and is consistent with the ideals enshrined in the Constitution of India. It is an extension of the Panchayat spirit in the Judicial System. The judges in the Lok Adalat are conciliators rather than legal Judges.
They explain the legal points to the litigants in an informal manner. The great scope of Lok Acfalats in the factories where the disputes between employers and employees are frequent and also in various Government departments. They can also
ameliorate the conditions of farmworkers and unorganized workers of different sectors through their human approach.
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