• Lok Adalats is one of the Alternative Dispute Redressal Mechanisms (ADRM).

About Lok Adalat (People’s Court)

• Accorded statutory status under Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. 
  • In 2002, Act was amended to establish permanent Lok Adalats for public utility services, which are guided by principles of natural justice.
  • They are not bound by Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), 1908 and Indian Evidence Act 1872.
    • It has same powers as a civil court under CPC, 1908.
    • Decision made by Lok Adalats is final and binding and no appeal can be made against its decision.
• Cases referred to Lok Adalat includes- 
  • Any case pending before any court,
  • Any dispute which has not been brought before any court and is likely to be filed before court.
• Types of cases undertaken includes matrimonial disputes, property disputes, motor accident claims, land acquisition etc.
• First Lok Adalat was held in 1982 at Junagarh, Gujarat.

Significance of Lok Adalats

• Quick settlement of conflicts.
• Economical in nature as there is no court fee applicable while filing a dispute in Lok Adalats.
• Help to reduce judiciary’s burden of pending cases.