Gram Nyayalayas Act: Village Courts Provisions

Objective of the Gram Nyayalayas Act:

The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008, aims to establish village courts called Gram Nyayalayas to ensure quick and accessible justice to the rural population.

Provisions Under the Act:

1. Establishment of Courts: Gram Nyayalayas are to be set up by the state governments in consultation with the respective High Courts.
2. Jurisdiction: They have the jurisdiction of a civil court for certain types of civil cases and a criminal court for certain categories of criminal offences.
3. Location: These courts are to be established at the Panchayat level or a group of adjacent Panchayats at a district or taluk level.
4. Appointment of Judges: Judges, known as Nyayadhikaris, are appointed with the qualifications of a first-class judicial magistrate.
5. Reservation for Marginalized Groups: There is a provision for proper representation of marginalized groups, women, Scheduled Tribes, and Scheduled Castes in the appointment of judges.

Rationale for Non-implementation:

The actuation of Gram Nyayalayas has been hindered by factors such as financial constraints, resource limitations, and infrastructural deficits, impacting their widespread establishment and functionality.