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Polity & Governance
Mahesh

17/11/22 13:57 PM IST

SC issues notice to high courts on plea for setting up of ‘Gram Nyayalayas’

In News 
  • The Supreme Court recently asked all high courts to respond to a PIL seeking a direction to the Centre and states to take measures to set up ‘Gram Nyayalayas’.
About GNs 
  • GN came by Gram Nyayalayas Act 2008 on the recommendation of the 114th Report of the Law Commission.
  • Establishment of GNs at the Panchayat level to try criminal, and civil claims and disputes.
  • GNs will be headed by ‘Nyayadhikari’ ( will be appointed by the state government in consultation with the high court).
  • It shall be guided by the principle of natural justice ( and not bound by rules of evidence provided in the Indian Evidence Act, 1872)
  • The seat of the Gram Nyayalaya will be located at the headquarters of the intermediate Panchayat; they will go to villages, work there and dispose of the cases.
  • Gram Nyayalayas have both civil and criminal jurisdiction over the offences.
  • They can try criminal offences specified in the First Schedule and civil suits specified in Second Schedule to the Act.
  • The Central as well as the State Governments have been given the power to amend the First Schedule and the Second Schedule of the Act.
  • The pecuniary jurisdiction of the Nyayalayas is fixed by the respective High Courts.
Why Gram Nyayalayas not operational? 
  • Lack of infrastructure like buildings, office spaces and related equipment
  • Lack of man-power resources, notaries, stamp vendors etc. at sub-district level
  • Inadequate Central assistance
  • Lack of awareness among lawyers, police officials
  • Non-cooperation of enforcement agencies
  • The reluctance of state functionaries to invoke the jurisdiction of Gram Nyayalayas
  • Setting up of legal services institutions at Taluk level reducing the dependency on Gram Nyayalayas
Source- The Tribune 

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