Question

Establishment of Permanent Lok Adalats is envisaged under S. ---------- of the Legal Services Authority Act of 1987

• A. 22B
• B. 22A
• C. 22(1)
• D. 22

Hint:

Differentiate between regular Lok Adalats (Chapter VI, S.19) and Permanent Lok Adalats (Chapter VI-A, S.22A-E). Key differences: Permanent Lok Adalats are permanent bodies, deal with public utility services, can be approached pre-litigation, and can decide a matter on merits if parties fail to reach a settlement (if the dispute does not relate to any offence).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, was amended in 2002 to introduce the concept of Permanent Lok Adalats. Unlike regular Lok Adalats which are held occasionally, Permanent Lok Adalats are permanent bodies that provide a pre-litigation mechanism for conciliation and settlement of cases related to public utility services.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Chapter VI-A, titled "PRE-LITIGATION CONCILIATION AND SETTLEMENT", was inserted into the Act by the 2002 amendment. This chapter contains the provisions for Permanent Lok Adalats.
- Section 22A: Provides definitions for the purposes of this chapter, such as the definition of "public utility service".
- Section 22B: This is the key provision. Section 22B(1) states, "Notwithstanding anything contained in section 19, the Central Authority or, as the case may be, every State Authority shall, by notification, establish for exercising such jurisdiction in respect of one or more public utility services and for such areas as may be specified in the notification, Permanent Lok Adalats."
- Section 22 deals with the powers of Lok Adalats or Permanent Lok Adalats in general.
Therefore, the specific provision for the \textit{establishment} of Permanent Lok Adalats is Section 22B.