What are Permanent Lok Adalats?
Permanent Lok Adalats (PLAs) are quasi-judicial bodies established by the Government of India under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. They are permanent forums for the settlement of disputes through conciliation, arbitration, and mediation. PLAs are presided over by a sitting or retired judge of the High Court or a District Judge, and they have the power to award compensation, make orders for restitution, and issue directions.
What are the objectives of Permanent Lok Adalats?
The objectives of PLAs are to:
- Provide a speedy, inexpensive, and accessible forum for the settlement of disputes.
- Promote conciliation, arbitration, and mediation as means of dispute resolution.
- Reduce the burden on the courts.
- Promote social justice.
How do Permanent Lok Adalats work?
PLAs are open to all types of disputes, including civil, criminal, and family disputes. The procedure for filing a case in a PLA is simple and straightforward. The parties to the dispute can either file the case themselves or through a lawyer. The PLA will then schedule a hearing and invite the parties to appear before it. The PLA will try to resolve the dispute through conciliation, arbitration, or mediation. If the parties are unable to reach a settlement, the PLA will make an award. The award of the PLA is binding on the parties and can be enforced by the courts.
What are the benefits of Permanent Lok Adalats?
PLAs offer a number of benefits, including:
- Speed: PLAs are designed to provide a speedy resolution of disputes. In most cases, PLAs can dispose of cases within a few months.
- Cost: PLAs are a cost-effective means of resolving disputes. The fees for filing a case in a PLA are very low, and the parties are not required to pay any court fees.
- Accessibility: PLAs are accessible to all sections of society. They are located in all parts of the country, and they have flexible hearing hours.
- Informality: The proceedings of PLAs are informal and non-adversarial. The parties are encouraged to participate in the proceedings and to reach a settlement that is acceptable to both of them.
- Conciliation, arbitration, and mediation: PLAs use a variety of methods to resolve disputes, including conciliation, arbitration, and mediation. Conciliation is a process in which a neutral third party helps the parties to reach a settlement. Arbitration is a process in which the parties agree to submit their dispute to a neutral third party for a binding decision. Mediation is a process in which the parties agree to participate in a facilitated negotiation with the help of a neutral third party.
- Binding awards: The awards of PLAs are binding on the parties and can be enforced by the courts.
What are the challenges faced by Permanent Lok Adalats?
PLAs face a number of challenges, including:
- Lack of awareness: Many people are not aware of the existence of PLAs or of the benefits that they offer.
- Lack of resources: PLAs are often understaffed and underfunded. This can make it difficult for them to function effectively.
- Lack of cooperation from the courts: The courts sometimes do not cooperate with PLAs. This can make it difficult for PLAs to enforce their awards.
- Lack of public confidence: PLAs have been criticized for being biased and for not being able to provide a fair hearing to all parties.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges that they face, PLAs play an important role in the Indian legal system. They provide a speedy, inexpensive, and accessible forum for the settlement of disputes. PLAs also promote conciliation, arbitration, and mediation as means of dispute resolution.