Which of the following statements is true about the Permanent Lok Adalat under Section 22-B of The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987?​

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) The Permanent Lok Adalat can handle cases up to a certain monetary limit (currently ₹1 crore)

Explanation:

• Permanent Lok Adalats (PLAs) are established under Section 22-B of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
• They have jurisdiction over disputes related to public utility services, such as transport, postal, and telegraph.
• As per the latest amendment and government notification, PLAs can adjudicate disputes up to ₹1 crore.
• Unlike other Lok Adalats, a PLA can adjudicate the matter on merits if the parties fail to reach a settlement.
• The award of the Permanent Lok Adalat is final and binding on the parties, and it is deemed to be a civil court decree.

Information Booster:

• Public utility services include sectors like transport, electricity, water supply, etc.
• PLAs act both as conciliators and adjudicators under Section 22-C of the Act.
• Their orders are final and enforceable, with no appeal provision.
• PLAs aim to ensure speedy, cost-effective, and informal dispute resolution.
• They cannot take up disputes related to non-compoundable criminal offences.