With thirty thousand target, over one lakh cases decided. What a joke? Like this few more Lok Adalats will certainly wipe out arrears, which currently have crossed over three crore cases. Recently CJI has reduced almost more than 1/3 pendency by applying new method of calculation. It appears Prime Minister's target to ensure arrear free judicial institution will soon become a reality.It is true that justice delayed is justice denied and it is equally true that justice hurried is justice buried. In Lok Adalat litigants are not allowed to produce evidence with the assistance of the lawyers. The whole approach is to settle the case, compromising the merit. No justice is possible in the absence or at the back of lawyers of both the parties. There is a better alternative. Make direct negotiation mandatory in all the cases for 1-2 years. Amend Section 80 CPC and simplify plea bargain. Let lawyers of both the sides nurse the conceived case ripe for delivery by the judge. Litigants will have opportunity to lead evidence with the assistance of lawyers of their choice and arrive at settlement to be approved by the judge. Judge should concentrate 100% on legal issues alone. Administrative and financial responsibilities be taken over from the judges.Skilled paralegal staff be entrusted with the ministerial work.Take advantage of the services of about eleven lakh lawyers, who will have gainful employment. There will not be extra
financial and administrative burden on the government.Judges will be relieved from avoidable ministerial burden.Litigants will save time, money,energy for not attending court hearings and will get their claims settled in the chambers of the lawyers. In USA over 90% cases are settled in the chambers of the lawyers. Why can't Indian lawyers be given the opportunity to settle the cases at the initial stage and in their chambers? There will not be any scope of further appeal/revision. What is needed is only change of mindset. Are we prepared to change the system? Are we prepared to wipe out tears from every waiting litigant's eyes? Are we prepared to make India a land of laws and accessible, affordable, accountable and speedy justice delivery country?

Lok Adalats are no solution to the back-log and burden the judiciary faces..empower the panchayats, empower India..

For Lok Adalats and Panchayats look at this: lexarbitri.blogspot.com/2010/10/panchayats-as-adr-mechanism-guest-post.html