With reference to the Lok Adalats, explain the following :

(a) Meaning of the Lok Adalats.

(b) Working of the Lok Adalats.

(c) Advantages of the Lok Adalats.

(a) 'Lok Adalat' means 'the People's Court'. It is an alternative dispute resolution system in India where disputes are settled amicably and speedily without going through formal court procedures.

(b) Lok Adalats are voluntary forum comprising a few public spirited people including Supreme Court judges, lawyers, students and social workers. They persuade the opposite parties at a dispute to bring their cases before them for speedy settlement. The regular law courts, already under the stress of too much load, provide every help to the parties concerned to consult the relevant files piling up under their charge. Then in the spirit of give and take, conciliatory atmosphere and without the feeling of victory or defeat the negotiated settlements are reached much to the relief of the different parties.

(c) The advantages of Lok Adalats are given below:

1. Lok Adalats play important role in the settlement of family feuds, disputes between the neighbours and minor cases of assault and injury by settling the disputes through compromise. Since the Lok Adalats work in the spirit of compromise and understanding, both the parties feel satisfied.
2. Lok Adalats deliver fast and inexpensive justice. Any person can move Lok Adalat by an application on a plain paper or using the format available with Legal Service Authorities and expect speedy justice.
3. The Lok Adalats reduce the workload of other courts enabling them to deal with more serious matters. This reduces delays in higher courts.
4. Lok Adalats promote social justice by providing legal aid to weaker sections of society.