To commemorate 75 years of the Supreme Court
of India, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud
announced the commencement of a special
Lok Adalat from July 29 to August 3.
Lok Adalat, or People’s Court, is part of the
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system.
The first Lok Adalat was held in Gujarat in
1982, gaining statutory status under the
Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Organised by State/District Legal Services
Authorities or Supreme Court/High Court/Taluk Legal Services Committees, these courts
typically consist of a judicial officer, a lawyer,
and a social worker.
They hold the same powers as Civil Courts
under the Code of Civil Procedure (1908).
Awards are final and binding with no appeal.
No court fees are required, and any paid fees
are refunded if settled at Lok Adalat.