The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 was enacted to bring justice to the doorsteps of rural citizens and to make the legal system more accessible, particularly to the poor and disadvantaged. This Act establishes a system of courts at the grassroots level, with the aim of providing speedy and affordable justice to the rural population.
Key Features of the Gram Nyayalayas Act:
➤ Establishment of Gram Nyayalayas:
- The Act provides for the establishment of Gram Nyayalayas for every Panchayat at the intermediate level or a group of contiguous Panchayats at the intermediate level in a district. In cases where there is no Panchayat at the intermediate level, Gram Nyayalayas are established for groups of contiguous Panchayats.
- The Nyayadhikaris, or presiding officers, are appointed by the state government in consultation with the High Court.
➤ Role and Powers of Nyayadhikaris:
- Nyayadhikaris are judicial officers who serve as the presiding officers of Gram Nyayalayas. They possess the same powers as First Class Magistrates under the High Courts and receive similar salaries.
- The Nyayadhikaris have the power to exercise the functions of both criminal and civil courts.
➤ Mobile Courts:
- Gram Nyayalayas are mobile courts that move to villages and work from there to dispose of cases, thus bringing justice directly to the people.
- The seat of a Gram Nyayalaya is located at the headquarters of the intermediate Panchayat, but the court moves to different villages to provide justice to citizens at their doorsteps.
➤ Jurisdiction:
- Gram Nyayalayas try criminal cases, civil suits, claims, and disputes that are specified in the First and Second Schedules of the Act.
- Their jurisdiction includes certain civil and criminal matters as detailed in the schedules, such as cases involving specific offenses under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and other laws.
➤ Amendment of Schedules:
- Both the Central and State Governments have the power to amend the First and Second Schedules of the Act based on their legislative competence.
Benefits and Significance of Gram Nyayalayas:
- Accessibility: By providing justice at the grassroots level, Gram Nyayalayas increase accessibility to the legal system for rural citizens.
- Speedy and Cost-Effective Justice: The establishment of Gram Nyayalayas helps deliver quick and affordable justice, especially for those who may not have the means to approach higher courts.
- Empowerment of Rural Communities: By enabling justice at the local level, Gram Nyayalayas empower rural citizens to address disputes and grievances efficiently.
Conclusion:
The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 plays a pivotal role in strengthening the legal system at the grassroots level in India. By making justice more accessible and affordable to the rural population, it upholds the constitutional mandate of ensuring equal opportunity and justice for all citizens, particularly those living in rural and remote areas.
