INTRODUCTION
LOK ADALAT is judicial body set up for the purpose of facilitating peaceful resolution of dispute
between the litigating parties. They have the power of the ordinary civil court, like summonsing,
examining evidence etc.
The order made by LOK ADALAT is similar to that of an order passed by any court, but the
parties have no right to appeal against LOK ADALAT’s order. LOK ADALATs may resolve all
matters except criminal cases that are non-compoundable.
Either of the litigating parties or both of them can make an application to the court for transferring
their cases to a LOK Adulator settlement.2
LOK ADALAT is a process of administrating justice without resorting to litigation. It process is
voluntary and work on the principle that both parties to the dispute are willing to sort out their dispute
amicably. Through this mechanism, disputes can be settled in a simpler, quicker and cost effective
manner.
Under the LEGAL SERVICE AUTHORITY ACT 1987, national committee and state committee
have been constituted to supervise the effective Legal
Aid Schemes. Under this Act, LOK ADALAT is being constituted at various places in the country
for disposed a dispute in a summary way and through the process of conciliation and settlement.
Functioning of LOK ADALAT is entirely voluntary and conciliatory. This is the speedier system of
Administrative Of Justice. LOK ADALAT would take justice to the door-step of the poor and needy
and make justice quicker and less expensive. There are no expenses involved in the process of LOK
ADALAT.3