Lok Adalat, Legal Aid Services And ADR In India

Nagaswetha S, Sastra Deemed to Be University

ABSTRACT

In developing countries where most lawyers prefer litigation to resolve disputes there is an extreme over-burdening of courts and an enormous number of pending cases, which has ultimately led to dissatisfaction among people regarding the judicial system and its ability to dispense justice. This caters to the need of Alternative Dispute Resolution in India, as the court alone cannot afford to handle those pending cases. The ultimate aim of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism is to settle disputes and arrive at a consensus – a mutually acceptable agreement that takes into consideration the interests of all concerned parties. This paper deals in length about Lok Adalat, which is considered as one of the modes of Alternative Dispute Resolution. It also briefs about the concept of Legal Aid in India and the statutory provisions dealing them. This paper further attempts to talk about the legal services provided under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 19871 and the role played by them in promoting the system of Alternative Dispute Resolution in India.