The 2008 Gram Nyayalayas Act

The Supreme Court of India emphasized on the importance of access to justice, specifically in rural areas. Such heightened awareness has also renewed calls for setting up gram nyayalayas–a system of village courts—throughout the country. However, the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 — envisaged a decade ago is yet to see the light of day because of many hurdles to be crossed.

Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 — A Step Towards Decentralization of Justice

Key Features:

• Accessibility: Gram nyayalayas being established at the village council, level saves time to visit a lawyer. •
• Jurisdiction: These courts have the power to try civil and petty criminal cases.
• Streamlined Processes: They support less formal, readily accessible dispute resolution and often promote the possibility of conciliation or settlement.

Present Situation and Problems:

• Fewer than 500 gram nyayalayas have been set up, well short of the 2,500-target.
• Large states such as UP and Bihar do not have operational village courts

Challenges in Implementation:

• Infrastructure Problems — Hearing Rooms are generally so few, old and not properly equipped in the visiting courts.
• Financial Barriers: Low budget for employees and materials.
• Low Awareness: Majority of rural citizens are not aware about gram nyayalayas.
• Integration Issues: Lack of coordination among gram nyayalayas and upper courts.

Gram Nyayalayas were said:

• Long distances for rural litigants to reach established courts
• Cases of minor nature remaining unresolved at local level

Potential Benefits:

• Bother Free Conflict Resolution: A lot more efficient and less expensive.
• Community-Centric Approach: They follow traditional conflict resolution methods.
• Inclusiveness — Made less-complicated processes mean more access to justice for people who don't have money for lawyers.

The Way Forward:

• Add resources -- more funding and better technology.
• Everyday Services: Must publicize the rights as well as gram nyayalaya.
• Enhanced Integration: Synergy of gram nyayalayas with the rest of the judicial system.