National Court of Justice and Citizens Court of India
National Court of Justice and Citizens Court of India (Lok Adalat) People’s Court of India
National Court of Justice: The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial body in the country and is considered the national court of India.
Citizens Court of India: The People’s Court of India, also known as Lok Adalat, is a court that helps settle disputes outside of the regular court system. It offers a fair and simple way to resolve disputes.
India’s judicial system is structured to ensure justice through various courts, including the Supreme Court, High Courts, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms like Lok Adalats. Each plays a distinct role in upholding the law and delivering justice to citizens.
Supreme Court of India
The Supreme Court of India is the apex judicial authority in the country, established on January 28, 1950, following the enactment of the Constitution of India. It serves as the final court of appeal for all civil and criminal cases and has extensive powers, including original, appellate, and advisory jurisdictions. The court consists of a Chief Justice and up to 33 other judges, who are appointed by the President of India based on recommendations from a collegium of senior judges.
Key Functions:
- Final Court of Appeal: It hears appeals primarily from High Courts and tribunals.
- Judicial Review: It has the authority to invalidate laws that violate constitutional provisions.
- Protection of Fundamental Rights: It safeguards citizens’ rights against infringement by state actions.
Structure:
- Composition: The Supreme Court includes a Chief Justice and 33 judges.
- Jurisdiction: It has original jurisdiction in disputes between states and between states and the central government.
Lok Adalat (People’s Court)
Lok Adalats, or people’s courts, are an alternative dispute resolution mechanism in India aimed at providing speedy justice. They are informal courts that settle disputes through conciliation and compromise. Established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, Lok Adalats help reduce case backlog in regular courts by encouraging settlements outside traditional litigation.
Features:
- Voluntary Participation: Parties can voluntarily agree to resolve their disputes through Lok Adalat.
- No Court Fees: There are no fees for filing cases in Lok Adalats.
- Quick Resolution: Cases are resolved quickly, often within a single session.
The judicial landscape in India is marked by a hierarchy that ensures comprehensive legal recourse for its citizens. The Supreme Court stands as the guardian of constitutional rights and justice, while Lok Adalats provide an accessible platform for resolving disputes amicably. Together, they reflect India’s commitment to uphold justice through both formal and informal means.
What it is: Lok Adalat is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism that helps settle disputes amicably. It can be used for cases that are pending in court or at the pre-litigation stage.
How it works: Lok Adalat judges use principles of justice, equity, fair play, and common sense to resolve disputes. The parties can agree to bring the matter to Lok Adalat, or one party can apply to the court for permission to refer the case.
National Lok Adalat: Lok Adalats are held across the country on a single day.
Mobile Lok Adalat: Lok Adalats are held in different parts of the country on different dates.
When it was established: The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 gave Lok Adalat statutory status. The first Lok Adalats were held in Gujarat in 1982 and in Chennai in 1986.
The National Court of Justice and the Citizens Court of India (Lok Adalat), often referred to as the “People’s Court of India,” are institutions that reflect the Indian judicial system’s layered and people-centric approach. Here’s an overview:
The term “National Court of Justice” isn’t commonly used in the Indian context. However, it could be understood as:
- The Supreme Court of India: As the apex judicial authority, the Supreme Court represents the highest court of the nation, handling constitutional matters, appeals from lower courts, and significant national issues.
- High-level judicial authorities like High Courts in states or specialized tribunals in India.
Key Functions:
- Constitutional Authority: The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution and ensures its enforcement.
- Appellate Jurisdiction: It hears appeals against decisions of lower courts.
- Judicial Review: Reviews the constitutionality of laws and executive actions.
- Advisory Jurisdiction: Advises the President of India on constitutional matters.
Lok Adalat (Citizens’ Court or People’s Court of India)
The Lok Adalat is a forum established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, to facilitate speedy, cost-effective dispute resolution through compromise and settlement.
Key Features:
- Accessible Justice: It is a forum for people who cannot afford or access regular courts.
- Dispute Resolution through Mediation: Cases are resolved amicably without formal litigation.
- Presided by Legal Professionals: A Lok Adalat panel typically includes a judge, a lawyer, and a social worker or expert in dispute resolution.
Jurisdiction:
- Civil cases (property disputes, contractual matters)
- Matrimonial disputes
- Motor accident claims
- Land acquisition cases
- Pre-litigation disputes
Benefits:
- No court fees.
- Quick resolution compared to the formal judicial process.
- Award given by Lok Adalat is binding and has the status of a decree.
People’s-Centric Approach of Indian Judiciary
The Indian judiciary, through Lok Adalats and specialized courts like Family Courts or Consumer Forums, ensures that justice is accessible to the common person while maintaining the constitutional mandate of equality and fairness. Lok Adalats symbolize participatory and community-driven conflict resolution. Meanwhile, higher courts ensure robust legal and constitutional oversight.
National Court of Justice: This term doesn’t exist in India’s legal system. India has a Supreme Court, which is the highest court, and High Courts in each state.
Citizens Court of India (Lok Adalat): This is a legal forum for amicable settlement of disputes outside the formal court system. It’s a popular alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism in India.
People’s Court of India: This term is not officially used in India’s legal system. However, “Lok Adalat” is sometimes referred to as the “People’s Court” due to its focus on citizen participation and informal resolution of disputes.
Here’s a breakdown of the Lok Adalat system:
Lok Adalat (People’s Court)
Purpose: To provide a platform for amicable settlement of disputes, reducing the burden on formal courts.
Jurisdiction: Handles a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, and family matters.
Process:
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- Cases are referred to Lok Adalats by courts or can be directly filed by parties.
- Trained mediators preside over the Lok Adalat and facilitate discussions between parties.
- Parties are encouraged to reach a mutually agreeable settlement.
- If a settlement is reached, it is legally binding and enforceable.
Benefits:
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- Speedier resolution: Cases are often resolved quickly.
- Reduced costs: No court fees are involved.
- Minimal formalities: Procedures are less formal than regular courts.
- Amicable solutions: Focuses on resolving disputes through negotiation and compromise.
Key Points to Remember
- Lok Adalats are not a substitute for formal courts but a valuable complement.
- They are particularly effective for resolving disputes that arise from misunderstandings or personal conflicts.
- While Lok Adalats offer a number of benefits, complex legal issues may still require formal court proceedings.
