LOK ADALAT - EFFECTIVE MEANS OF DISPUTE REDRESSAL MECHANISM IN INDIA

Lok Adalat is an effective means of alternative to Court litigation system. The introduction of Lok Adalats added a new chapter to the justice dispensation system of this country and succeeded in providing a supplementary forum to the victims for satisfactory settlement of their disputes. This paper discussed the Journey of Lok Adalat from olden historical period to modernized period i.e. post independence. This paper highlights that Lok Adalat is nothing but the one of the tool of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system and the whole philosophy of Lok Adalats has been institutionalized on the older concept of dispute resolution through negotiation, mediation, arbitration used by Nyaya Panch. This paper also highlights constitutional mandate of Article 39-A regarding Lok Adalat system and evolution of Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 for providing speedy and early settlement of dispute among the parties.