
Special Judicial Mechanisms for Dispute Resolution in India are tailored frameworks designed to address specific legal issues efficiently and ensure justice reaches every segment of society. These mechanisms play a crucial role in reducing case backlogs, promoting accessibility, and delivering timely justice. This article aims to study in detail the various specialized judicial mechanisms such as Fast Track Courts, Gram Nyayalayas, Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats, and Family Courts, analyzing their features, significance, and challenges.
About Judicial Mechanism in India
- Efficient and accessible justice delivery mechanisms are essential for a robust legal system, particularly in a country like India, which has a vast population and diverse issues.
- Over time, various specialised judicial mechanisms have been introduced to ensure speed, efficiency, and inclusivity in addressing disputes.
- Among these mechanisms are Fast Track Courts (FTCs), Gram Nyayalayas, Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats, and Family Courts, each catering to specific needs and social contexts.
Fast Track Courts (FTCs)
- Fast Track Courts were established to address the rising pendency of cases and ensure speedy justice, especially in cases involving heinous crimes and vulnerable groups.
- The 14th Finance Commission recommended setting up 1,800 FTCs between 2015 and 2020.
- These courts handle cases such as heinous crimes, civil disputes related to women, children, senior citizens, and long-pending property disputes.
Key Features of Fast Track Courts (FTCs)
- As of July 2023, 855 FTCs are functional across India.
- Over 33 lakh pending cases have been resolved by these courts since 2014.
Need for Fast Track Courts (FTCs)
- Clearing Backlog: FTCs alleviate the burden on regular courts by addressing long-pending cases.
- Reducing Undertrials: India has one of the largest populations of undertrials. FTCs aim to reduce this number by expediting trials.
- Speedy Justice: FTCs uphold the constitutional right to a speedy trial.
- Gender Justice: They ensure prompt action in cases of sexual and gender-based violence.
Advantages of Fast Track Courts (FTCs)
- Reduced Case Load: FTCs have a high clearance rate.
- Specialization: By focusing on specific types of cases, they promote professional expertise.
- Judicial Efficiency: They improve the overall effectiveness of the judiciary.
Challenges of Fast Track Courts (FTCs)
- Cases are sometimes rushed, compromising justice.
- The narrow focus of FTCs can limit the judges’ expertise in broader legal areas.
Gram Nyayalayas
The Gram Nyayalaya Act, 2008 aimed to bring justice closer to rural citizens by establishing mobile and stationary courts at the grassroots level.
Key Features of Gram Nyayalayas
- These courts handle civil and criminal cases at the panchayat level.
- Appeals in civil cases must be resolved within six months.
- They engage local mediators and encourage participatory justice.
Challenges of Gram Nyayalayas
- Financial constraints discourage state governments from setting up Gram Nyayalayas.
- Coordination issues between state governments and high courts hinder implementation.
Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats (PMLA)
Launched by the National Commission for Women (NCW), these courts aim to resolve family and matrimonial disputes in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner.
Objectives of Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats (PMLA)
- Ensure speedy and free justice for women.
- Promote alternative dispute resolution methods like conciliation.
- Empower women to actively participate in justice delivery mechanisms.
Matters of Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats (PMLA)
- Matrimonial disputes, including divorce and maintenance.
- Civil disputes and compoundable criminal cases.
- Labour law disputes and motor accident claims.
Family Courts
The Family Courts Act, 1984, mandates the establishment of specialized courts for resolving family and matrimonial disputes efficiently.
Key Features of Family Courts
- These courts are mandatory in cities with a population exceeding one million.
- 785 Family Courts are functional across India as of July 2023.
Objectives of Family Courts
- Promote conciliation and amicable dispute resolution.
- Provide an inexpensive and informal judicial atmosphere.
- Expedite family-related disputes with specialised expertise.
Conclusion
India’s specialised judicial mechanisms, including Fast Track Courts, Gram Nyayalayas, Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats, and Family Courts, exemplify the judiciary’s commitment to accessible and inclusive justice. While they have been instrumental in reducing case backlogs and addressing specific legal needs, challenges like financial constraints, administrative inefficiencies, and quality of adjudication require further attention. Strengthening these mechanisms can significantly enhance the delivery of justice in India, ensuring timely and fair outcomes for all.
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