With reference to the ‘Gram Nyayalaya Act’, which of the following sta

With reference to the ‘Gram Nyayalaya Act’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  • 1. As per the Act, Gram Nyayalayas can hear only civil cases and not criminal cases.
  • 2. The Act allows local social activists as mediators/reconciliators.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008, was enacted by the Parliament of India to provide for the establishment of Gram Nyayalayas (Village Courts) at the grassroots level for the purpose of providing access to justice to the citizens at their doorstep.
Statement 1 is incorrect. As per the Act, Gram Nyayalayas have jurisdiction over both civil and criminal cases. They can hear petty criminal cases, civil disputes, and cases under certain specific acts.
Statement 2 is correct. The Act explicitly provides for the appointment of conciliators from among local social workers, who can assist the Nyayalaya in amicable settlement of disputes.
Gram Nyayalayas are presided over by a Nyayadhikari, who is appointed by the State Government in consultation with the High Court and holds the rank of a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class. Their proceedings are expected to be summary in nature.