REDUCING JUDICIAL BACKLOGS THROUGH LOK ADALATS IN INDIA: A CRITICAL APPRAISAL

Abstract

The well-known legal principle “Justice delayed is Justice denied” resonates strongly within the context of the Indian legal system, where even minor disputes can take years to resolve. Going through the court process can be a daunting, costly, and lengthy ordeal, largely due to the substantial backlog faced by the judiciary. In this context, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms have emerged as a viable solution for achieving timely justice. ADR methods have significantly contributed to reducing the burden on the judiciary by providing faster and more flexible avenues for dispute settlement. Among these mechanisms, Lok Adalats represent India's unique approach to alternative dispute resolution. These people's courts are widely appreciated for their efficiency, accessibility, flexibility, and speedy disposal of cases. Many litigants have chosen to resolve their disputes through Lok Adalats, finding them more cost-effective and user-friendly than conventional court proceedings. Lok Adalats have emerged as an important mechanism for addressing judicial delays and promoting access to justice. The paper evaluates the effectiveness of Lok Adalats in reducing judicial backlogs in India by analysing their operational framework, impact on case disposal, and the challenges they face. The study employs a mixed-methods approach incorporating empirical data from the latest NALSA statistics. The analysis reveals that only 34% of eligible cases are referred to Lok Adalats, indicating significant implementation gaps. The paper concludes that while Lok Adalats have made significant contributions to dispute resolution and backlog reduction, substantial barriers remain to their wider acceptance and implementation.

KEYWORDS: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Lok Adalat, National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), Judicial backlogs and Speedy disposal.