What are Gram Nyayalayas? – Burning Issues

Table of Contents

The Supreme Court has directed the states, which are yet come out with notifications for establishing Gram Nyayalayas, to do so within four weeks.
So far only 11 states have taken steps to notify Gram Nyayalayas. Several states have issued notifications for establishing ‘Gram Nyayalayas’ but all of them were not functioning except in Kerala, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
Only 208 ‘Gram Nyayalayas’ are functioning in the country as against 2,500 estimated to be required by the 12th fiveyear plan.
Gram Nyayalayas were established for speedy and easy access to the justice system in the rural areas across the country.
The Gram Nyayalayas Act came into force on October 2, 2009.
In terms of Section 3(1) of the Act, it is for the State Governments to establish Gram Nyayalayas in consultation with the respective High Courts.
Gram Nyayalaya are established generally at headquarter of every Panchayat at intermediate level or a group of contiguous panchayat in a district where there is no panchayat at intermediate level.
The Gram Nyayalayas are presided over by a Nyayadhikari
A Gram Nyayalaya have jurisdiction over an area specified by a notification by the State Government in consultation with the respective High Court.
The Court can function as a mobile court at any place within the jurisdiction of such Gram Nyayalaya, after giving wide publicity to that regards.
Gram Nyayalayas can follow special procedures in civil matters, in a manner it deem just and reasonable in the interest of justice.
Civil suits are proceeded on a day-to-day basis, with limited adjournments and are to be disposed of within a period of six months from the date of institution of the suit.

Appeals

Appeal in criminal cases
Appeal in civil cases
Gram Nyayalaya is a mobile court
conciliation between the parties
The judgment and order passed by the Gram Nyayalaya are deemed to be a decree
Gram Nyayalays aim to provide a cost-effective forum at the grass-root level for the poor living in villages to settle legal matters.
Mediation is a form of dispute resolution that is actively encouraged by the courts as a way of settling disputes rather than going through formal court proceedings. Not only that, but mediation is also often preferred by clients due to the fact that it is a much more efficient form of dispute resolution.
Mediation saves resources and time for all parties involved as well as the judicial system. It is no wonder then, that it has become an ever more valuable dispute resolution tool.
Jurisdiction
Summary Procedure
Current Scenario of the States
So far only 11 states have taken steps to notify Gram Nyayalayas.
Several states have issued notifications for establishing ‘Gram Nyayalayas’ but all of them were not functioning except in Kerala, Maharashtra and Rajastha
Training of Gram Nyayadhikari
Infrastructure and Security
Creation of awareness among various stakeholders
Creation of a regular cadre of Gram Nyayadhikari
Establishment of permanent Gram Nyayalayas