Question

UPSC Prelims 2016 Question:

With reference to the ‘Gram Nyayalaya Act’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

As per the Act, Gram Nyayalayas can hear only civil cases and not criminal cases.

The Act allows local social activists as mediators/reconciliators.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Option 2: 2 only

Explanation:

The Gram Nyayalayas Act came into force with effect from 2009. Gram Nyayalayas (Village Courts) are aimed at providing inexpensive justice to people in rural areas at their doorsteps. Some of the salient features of the Gram Nyayalayas Act are as follows:
- Gram Nyayalayas are to be established for every Panchayat at intermediate level or a group of contiguous Panchayats at intermediate level or for a group of contiguous Gram Panchayats.
- The seat of the Gram Nyayalayas shall be located at the headquarters of the intermediate Panchayat. The Gram Nyayalaya shall be a mobile court. Hence, The Nyayadhikari shall periodically visit villages and may hear the parties and dispose of the cases at the place other than its headquarters.

The Gram Nyayalayas will try criminal cases, civil suits, claims or disputes which are specified in the First Schedule and the Second Schedule to the Act. So, statement 1 is not correct.
High Courts can transfer eligible cases from the District court to the Gram Nyayalayas. The Court shall try to settle disputes via conciliation between the parties. The court can make use of the local social activists as conciliators to be appointed for this purpose. So, statement 2 is correct.
The Gram Nyayalaya shall not be bound by the rules of evidence provided in the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 but shall be guided by the principles of natural justice.
The judgments and orders passed by Gram Nyayalayas are deemed to be a decree. The Gram Nyayalaya shall deliver a copy of its judgment immediately to both the parties free of cost.
A person accused of an offense may file a petition for plea bargaining.