The Constitution of India provides for a High Court for each State. With reference to the High Courts and Subordinate Courts, answer the following questions:
What is a Lok Adalat? Mention any two advantages of the Lok Adalat.
Topic: Lok Adalat
Answer
A Lok Adalat, or "People’s Court", is a forum set up under the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987, on the recommendation of Justice P.N. Bhagwati, to provide legal aid and justice to those who cannot afford lawyers or the expense of litigation. Disputes are settled informally, by negotiation and compromise between the parties themselves.
Two advantages: (1) Justice is speedy and inexpensive — there is no court fee, and cases that would take years in a regular court are settled in a single sitting. (2) The proceedings are simple and cordial, the settlement is reached by mutual agreement so that neither party feels defeated, and the award is final and binding with no appeal — which also reduces the burden on the regular courts.
Four marks: about two for the definition and one for each advantage. The words that earn the definition marks are "People’s Court", the Act of 1987, and settlement by COMPROMISE. Justice Bhagwati’s name is a bonus detail. On the advantages, the "no appeal" point cuts both ways and is worth noting honestly: it makes settlement final and quick, but it also means a party who agrees unwisely has no remedy.