Question

What is the primary purpose of Lok-Adalat in India?

• A. To enforce strict penalties
• B. To oversee constitutional matters
• C. To facilitate quick resolution of cases
• D. To handle crimes done by politicians

Hint:

Think of Lok Adalat as "Justice at the doorstep." Its key features are speed, low cost, and decision by mutual consent. The award of the Lok Adalat is deemed to be a decree of a civil court and is final and binding on all parties.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Lok Adalat, meaning "People's Court," is one of the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms in India. It is a forum where disputes/cases pending in the court of law or at the pre-litigation stage are settled/compromised amicably.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the functions of a Lok Adalat:

Primary Goal: The fundamental aim is to provide speedy justice by encouraging mutual settlement and compromise, thereby reducing the burden on regular courts. This makes the resolution of cases quick and inexpensive.
(A) To enforce strict penalties: This is incorrect. Lok Adalats work on the principle of compromise and settlement, not punishment or strict penalties.
(B) To oversee constitutional matters: This is the exclusive domain of the High Courts and the Supreme Court of India.
(C) To facilitate quick resolution of cases: This is the core purpose. By avoiding the lengthy procedures of litigation, Lok Adalats ensure a swift resolution of disputes.
(D) To handle crimes done by politicians: This is incorrect. Lok Adalats have jurisdiction over certain types of cases (e.g., civil cases, compoundable criminal cases) irrespective of who the parties are.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The primary purpose of the Lok Adalat system is to facilitate a quick and amicable resolution of cases, reducing the backlog in the judiciary.