Participatory Grassroot Justice Delivery System in India: A Case Study of Himachal Pradesh

The study is to explore the strengths and weakness in the functioning of Nyaya (justice) Panchayat which has become part of Gram Panchayats since 1978 in Himachal Pradesh. The study focuses on issues such as involvement of Nyaya Panchayats on reduction of cases, Nyaya Panchayats held in year, mode of dispute settlement, time taken for dispute settlement, types of disputes. The study found that the people are in favour of separate Nyaya Panchayats as Gram Panchayats are overburden with development work. This system can ensure a participatory and people oriented system of justice which has greater scope for mediation, conciliation and compromise. It is also found that as it is closer to the people, they can save time, and expenses. At present the system is not working properly in Himachal Pradesh. Some bold intervention is needed by providing them proper infrastructure, adequate staff and functional clarity. There are good numbers of findings in the study to make the system work properly in the state of Himachal Pradesh.