Under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, Lok Adalats have no jurisdiction to settle which of the following cases?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Divorce and non-compoundable criminal cases

Explanation:

• Lok Adalats are constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 as a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

• They can settle disputes only through mutual consent between the parties.

• Jurisdiction includes:

 – Civil disputes (including matrimonial and property disputes)

 – Motor Accident Claims

 – Compoundable criminal offences (as per CrPC)

• Lok Adalats do NOT have jurisdiction over:

 – Non-compoundable criminal cases like murder, rape, kidnapping, etc.

 – Divorce cases requiring judicial determination (final decree), especially where there is no mutual consent.

Information Booster:

• Awards passed by Lok Adalats are final and binding, with the status of a civil court decree.

• No appeal lies against the Lok Adalat award; however, parties can initiate litigation if no compromise is reached.

Additional Knowledge:

(a) Civil disputes pending in court

. Lok Adalats are specifically designed to resolve civil disputes through settlement

. They ease the burden on regular courts

(c) Motor accident claims

. Frequently handled by Lok Adalats

. Parties often agree on compensation to avoid prolonged trials

(d) Compoundable criminal offences

. These involve less serious crimes like hurt, defamation, or cheating

. The law permits mutual compromise in such cases, making them admissible before Lok Adalats