The term "Lok Adalat" stands for

The correct answer is 'People's Court'

Key Points

• Lok Adalat:
  • The term "Lok Adalat" is derived from the Hindi words "Lok" meaning "people" and "Adalat" meaning "court."
  • It is a statutory mechanism in India designed to provide an alternative dispute resolution system that is affordable, expeditious, and accessible to all.
  • Lok Adalats primarily aim to resolve disputes amicably through conciliation and compromise between the parties involved.
  • These courts are established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and are recognized as a part of the judicial system.
  • Cases that are settled through Lok Adalats are considered as final and binding, and no appeal can be made against their decision in any court, ensuring quick resolution of disputes.

Additional Information

• Tribunal:
  • Tribunals are quasi-judicial bodies established to adjudicate specific types of disputes, such as tax, administrative, or service matters.
  • They are different from Lok Adalats as they are not focused on amicable settlement through compromise but rather on formal adjudication of disputes.
• Court of Law:
  • A court of law is a formal judicial body established to hear and resolve legal disputes based on statutory laws and precedents.
  • Unlike Lok Adalats, courts follow strict procedural rules and may take considerable time to resolve cases.
• Appellate Body:
  • An appellate body is a higher judicial authority where parties can appeal the decisions of lower courts or tribunals.
  • Lok Adalats do not function as appellate bodies; instead, they resolve disputes at the initial stage through mutual agreement.