Lok Adalat – Effective Method Of Alternative Dispute Resolution

G. Dharani, B.A.LL.B. (Hons.), The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, SOEL

ABSTRACT:

The notorious and never-ending problem of judicial backlog and delay has been recognised as one of the greatest challenges before the formal judicial system. In response to these issues pervading the legal system, there has been a sustained growth of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms over the last few decades. The emergence of alternative dispute resolution has been one of the most significant movements as a part of conflict management and judicial reform, and it has become a global necessity. Lok Adalats represent one of the most celebrated and innovative experiments in alternative dispute resolution devised to promote informal, rapid, conciliatory and binding resolution of disputes. Literally meaning “people’s court”, they supplement the formal justice system by establishing non-adversarial and informal courts for bringing justice to the public, particularly those in rural and remote areas. This will analyze the role of these Adalats, the origin, composition, levels and types of these courts in providing justice and discusses the position of Lok Adalat under the Legal Services Authorities Act,1987.

Keywords: Lok Adalat, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Access to Justice, Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.