Lok Adalat
Full Form of LAD
What is LAD?
Lok Adalat, meaning 'People's Court', is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism in India that provides a forum for amicable settlement of disputes outside the formal court system. It is a statutory body established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and is organized periodically at district, taluka, and state levels by legal services authorities. In a Lok Adalat, cases pending in regular courts or those not yet filed are resolved through negotiation and conciliation, with the goal of reducing the burden on the judiciary. The proceedings are informal, and the awards passed by Lok Adalats are deemed to be decrees of a civil court and are final and binding on all parties, with no appeal allowed. In India, Lok Adalats handle a wide range of matters including motor accident claims, family disputes, property disputes, and criminal cases that are compoundable. They are especially significant in rural areas where access to formal courts is limited. For competitive exams such as the CLAT, judiciary services, and law entrance tests, understanding the structure and functioning of Lok Adalats is important. The concept aligns with the constitutional mandate of equal access to justice under Article 39A.
LAD का फुल फॉर्म
लोक अदालत
Example
The district legal services authority conducted a LAD last Saturday, where 150 pending motor accident claims were settled amicably.