Question 12 from UPSC CSE 2016 - Polity and
Governance

Question

With reference to the 'Gram Nyayalaya Act', which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. As per the Act, Gram Nyayalayas can hear only civil cases and not criminal cases.
2. The Act allows local social activists as mediators/reconciliators.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 2 only

Strategy: - Identify the restrictive phrase "only civil cases" in Statement 1 as a key indicator of a potential inaccuracy.
- Verify the comprehensive jurisdiction of Gram Nyayalayas, confirming they handle both civil and criminal matters to disprove Statement 1.
- For Statement 2, analyze the core objective of Gram Nyayalayas: speedy, amicable dispute resolution through conciliation.
- Confirm the statutory provision allowing the use of local community members, such as social activists, as conciliators to validate Statement 2.

Key Info: **Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008**
- **Purpose**: Enacted to establish Gram Nyayalayas (village courts) at the grassroots level for providing speedy and easy access to justice in rural areas.
- **Establishment**: State Governments, in consultation with the respective High Courts, can establish Gram Nyayalayas for every intermediate Panchayat or for a group of contiguous intermediate Panchayats.
- **Nature**: These are mobile courts, meaning they can hold sittings at various places within their jurisdiction.
- **Presiding Officer**: A Nyayadhikari presides over Gram Nyayalayas. This officer has the same powers, functions, and salary as a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class.
- **Jurisdiction**: Gram Nyayalayas have jurisdiction over both civil and criminal cases. They can try criminal cases for offences specified in the First Schedule of the Act and civil suits/claims as specified in the Second Schedule.
- **Conciliation and Mediation**: The Act emphasizes conciliation and settlement of disputes. It empowers Gram Nyayalayas to make use of conciliators, including local social activists, to bring about an amicable settlement between parties, especially for civil disputes.
- **Procedure**: They follow a summary procedure for criminal cases and a special procedure for civil cases, aiming for speedy disposal. They are not bound by the strict rules of evidence under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, but are guided by the principles of natural justice.
- **Appeals**: Appeals in criminal cases lie to the Sessions Court within 30 days, and in civil cases, to the District Court within 30 days.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Both 1 and 2

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Neither 1 nor 2

With reference to the 'Gram Nyayalaya Act', which of the following statements is/are correct? As per the Act, Gram Nyayalayas can hear only civil cases and not criminal cases. The Act allows local social activists as mediators/reconciliators. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

With reference to the 'Gram Nyayalaya Act', which of the following statements is/are correct?

As per the Act, Gram Nyayalayas can hear only civil cases and not criminal cases.

The Act allows local social activists as mediators/reconciliators.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.