Lok Adalat – A Strategic Forum for Speedy and Equitable Justice

Abstract

Lok-Adalat has symbolized a human sensitive forum to provide amicable, speedy, cheap justice by adopting informal procedure and avoiding technicalities. Present article has attempted the history and development of Lok-Adalat in India. An analysis has been made on potential utility of Lok-Adalat as one of the ADR tools. An exploration has been made about the validity of the award of Lok-Adalat and grounds that keep it open to challenge for its judicial review. At the end, SWAT analysis of Lok-Adalat has been made and its probable solution in the form of Permanent Lok-Adalat has been discussed.

Present article, thus provide a deep insight of Lok-Adalat and its potential utility to the existing legal system which has been overburdened with pending litigations. Concluding remarks are self-explanatory demanding the adaptations of concept of Lok-Adalat to suit the changing need of poor and needy people. The suitable recommendations have been made to that effect.

Keywords: ADR, ADRs, Lok-Adalat, Arbitration, Conciliation, Judicial Review, Amicable Settlement, Compromise, Consented Decree, Award, Constitutional Challange, Constitutional Review, Permanent Lok-Adalat, Pending Cases, Pending Litigations, Estoppel