Regarding the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 and the functioning of Gram Nyayalayas (village courts), which of the following statements is correct?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is The Gram Nyayalayas Act mandates that every Gram Nyayalaya shall be presided over by a judicial officer with the powers of a civil judge (senior division), and aims to provide speedy and cost-effective justice at the grassroots level.
Explanation:
☛ The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 was enacted by the Parliament of India to provide speedy, affordable, and accessible justice to citizens at the grassroots level.
☛ Under this Act, each Gram Nyayalaya is presided over by a judicial officer designated as a Nyayadhikari, who enjoys the status and powers of a judicial magistrate/civil judge.
☛ Its primary goal is to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen on grounds of economic or other disabilities, fulfilling the spirit of Article 39A of the Constitution.
☛ Gram Nyayalayas function as mobile courts and exercise powers of both civil and criminal courts over specified summary offences and disputes, promoting conciliation and mediation.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 came into force on 2 October 2009, on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
☛ A Nyayadhikari is appointed by the State Government in consultation with the respective High Court.
☛ Gram Nyayalayas are not bound by the strict rules of evidence under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, but are guided by the principles of natural justice.
☛ In criminal matters, Gram Nyayalayas exercise the powers of a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class.
☛ Appeals in criminal matters lie to the Court of Session, while appeals in civil matters lie to the District Court.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ On which date did the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 come into force? → 2 October 2009
☛ Which constitutional article directs the State to provide free legal aid and equal justice? → Article 39A
☛ What title is given to the presiding officer of a Gram Nyayalaya? → Nyayadhikari
☛ In consultation with whom does the State Government appoint a Nyayadhikari? → High Court
☛ To which court does an appeal against a criminal judgment of a Gram Nyayalaya lie? → Court of Session