Question

Every Award of a Lok Adalat is deemed to be a

• A. Order of district collector
• B. Order of Income Tax Commissioner
• C. Decree of a Civil Court
• D. (a) and (b)

Hint:

The power and effectiveness of Lok Adalats come from the fact that their awards are not mere suggestions. The law gives them the "teeth" of a civil court decree (enforceable) and the finality of a compromise (no appeal). Remember: Lok Adalat Award = Civil Court Decree.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks about the legal status or enforceability of an award passed by a Lok Adalat under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Lok Adalats are alternative dispute resolution forums that help parties reach a compromise or settlement. The legal effect of their award is crucial.
Section 21(1) of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, deals with the award of the Lok Adalat. It states:
"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 and where a compromise or settlement has been arrived at, by a Lok Adalat in a case referred to it under sub-section (1) of section 20, the court-fee paid in such case shall be refunded..."
This provision gives the award of the Lok Adalat the same legal sanctity and enforceability as a decree passed by a civil court. This means it can be executed through a court of law just like a regular court decree.
- Options (A) and (B) are incorrect as the award is not equated to an executive order of a collector or an order of a tax authority. It is equated to a judicial decree.
Furthermore, Section 21(2) makes the award final and binding, and states that no appeal shall lie to any court against the award.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Every award of a Lok Adalat is deemed to be a decree of a Civil Court.