Question

Every Award of a Lok Adalat is deemed to be

• A. Order of district collector
• B. Order of Income Tax commissioner
• C. Decree of a civil court
• D. (a) and (b)

Hint:

Remember the key feature of a Lok Adalat award: it is considered a decree of a civil court and is final and non-appealable. This highlights its efficacy as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, was enacted to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of society and to organize Lok Adalats to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen. The Act gives legal sanctity and binding force to the awards passed by Lok Adalats.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Section 21 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, deals with the 'Award of Lok Adalat'.
- Section 21(1) states that every award of the Lok Adalat shall be deemed to be a decree of a civil court or, as the case may be, an order of any other court.
- Section 21(2) further clarifies that every award made by a Lok Adalat shall be final and binding on all the parties to the dispute, and no appeal shall lie to any court against the award.
This provision gives the award the same status and enforceability as a decree passed by a civil court after a full trial.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, an award of a Lok Adalat is deemed to be a decree of a civil court.