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Lok Adalat, meaning ‘People’s Court’ is one of ADR (Alternative Dispute Redressal) mechanism. They are based on Gandhian principles, aims to settle disputes through arbitration at the grass- root level. They were given the statutory status under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 which aims to constitute legal service authorities to provide free legal services to the weaker sections of the society according to Article 39 A of the Indian Constitution.
Lok Adalat is presided by a sitting or a retired judicial officer as Chairman with two other members usually a lawyer and a social worker. The parties are not allowed to be represented by the lawyers and encouraged to interact with judge who helps in arriving at amicable settlement. No fee is paid by the parties. Strict rule of Civil Procedural Court and evidence is not applied. Decision is by informal sitting and binding on the parties and no appeal lies against the order of the Lok Adalat.
It disposes of largely cases involving claims in the form of Motor Vehicle accident claims, Electricity and water bill related cases, land acquisition, Matrimonial and Family cases, Cheque dishonor etc.