Dispute Redressal Mechanisms and Quasi-Judicial Bodies

Tribunals: Constitutional Provisions and Rationale

The Basics

A tribunal is a quasi-judicial body set up to decide specific kinds of disputes quickly, instead of leaving them to the ordinary, often slow, court system.

Central Administrative Tribunal: Structure and Jurisdiction

The Basics

The Central Administrative Tribunal, known as CAT, is a body set up to hear and decide disputes about recruitment and service conditions of public servants working under the Union government. It was established in 1985 under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, which itself was passed using the power given by Article 323A.

State and Joint Administrative Tribunals

Note coming soon.

Tribunals for Other Matters (Armed Forces, Green, Competition)

Note coming soon.

National Legal Services Authority and Legal Aid

The Basics

The National Legal Services Authority, called NALSA, is the apex body that provides free legal aid to the weaker sections of society and organises Lok Adalats across India. It was set up to make sure that justice is not denied to anyone only because they are poor or disadvantaged.

Lok Adalats: Meaning, Types and Benefits

The Basics

A Lok Adalat is a forum where disputes pending in a court, or disputes that have not yet reached a court, are settled amicably through compromise. The term means 'People's Court'. The Supreme Court has described it as an old form of adjudication from ancient India. It is based on Gandhian principles. It forms part of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system.

Permanent Lok Adalats

Note coming soon.

Family Courts

Note coming soon.

Gram Nyayalayas

The Basics

A Gram Nyayalaya is a village-level court. It gives rural citizens speedy, inexpensive and substantial justice at their doorstep.

Commercial Courts

Note coming soon.

Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions: Three-Tier System

The Basics

The Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions are a three-tier, quasi-judicial system. They let ordinary consumers get quick and cheap relief against defective goods or deficient services. This avoids the regular court process. They are popularly called consumer forums or consumer courts. The present law is the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. It replaced the earlier Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The basic three-level design of District, State and National Commissions continues from the old Act.