Punjab Chief Minister announces seven more village courts

To provide easy and speedy justice in the rural areas, in compliance with the directives of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has ordered the establishment of seven more ‘Gram Nyayalayas’ (village courts) in the state.

The new nyayalayas would be set up at Patran in Patiala district, Tapa in Barnala, Bassi Pathana in Fatehgarh Sahib, Dera Baba Nanak and Dhar Kalan in Gurdaspur, Raikot in Ludhiana and Chamkaur Sahib in Rupnagar. These nyayalayas will cover only the gram panchayats of the sub-divisions and not towns, as per the proposal cleared by the Department of Home Affairs and Justice.

With this, the number of such courts in the state will go up to nine, as two village courts at Kot Isse Khan in Moga district and Nangal in Rupnagar are already functional.

About Gram Nyayalayas:

Gram Nyayalayas or village courts are established under the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 for speedy and easy access to justice system in the rural areas of India.

The Act came into force from 2 October 2009.
 

Composition:

The Gram Nyayalayas are presided over by a Nyayadhikari, who will have the same power, enjoy same salary and benefits of a Judicial Magistrate of First Class. Such Nyayadhikari are to be appointed by the State Government in consultation with the respective High Court.

Jurisdiction:

A Gram Nyayalaya have jurisdiction over an area specified by a notification by the State Government in consultation with the respective High Court.
The Court can function as a mobile court at any place within the jurisdiction of such Gram Nyayalaya, after giving wide publicity to that regards.
They have both civil and criminal jurisdiction over the offences.
The pecuniary jurisdiction of the Nyayalayas are fixed by the respective High Courts.
Gram Nyayalayas has been given power to accept certain evidences which would otherwise not be acceptable under Indian Evidence Act.
 

Procedure to be followed:

Gram Nyayalayas can follow special procedures in civil matters, in a manner it deem just and reasonable in the interest of justice.

Gram Nyayalayas allow for conciliation of the dispute and settlement of the same in the first instance.

Appeals:

Appeal in criminal cases shall lie to the Court of Session, which shall be heard and disposed of within a period of six months from the date of filing of such appeal.

Appeal in civil cases shall lie to the District Court, which shall be heard and disposed of within a period of six months from the date of filing of the appeal.

Significance:

The setting up of Gram Nyayalayas is considered as an important measure to reduce arrears and is a part of the judicial reforms. It is estimated that Gram Nyayalayas can reduce around 50% of the pendency of cases in subordinate courts and can take care of the new litigations which will be disposed within six months.