Question 40
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.
AOptions
BSolution
The 'Gram Nyayalaya Act' was enacted in 2008 to provide for the establishment of Gram Nyayalayas (village courts) at the grassroots level for speedy and easy access to justice for citizens in rural areas. Let's analyze the statements:
1. As per the Act, Gram Nyayalayas can hear only civil cases and not criminal cases. This statement is incorrect. Gram Nyayalayas are empowered to hear both civil and criminal cases. They have jurisdiction over a specific schedule of civil disputes and criminal offenses, generally those of a minor nature, specified in the Act.
2. The Act allows local social activists as mediators/reconciliators. This statement is correct. The Act emphasizes conciliation and empowers the Gram Nyayalayas to appoint social activists as conciliators for mediating and settling disputes before they proceed to formal trial. This aligns with the objective of providing accessible and informal justice at the village level.
Therefore, only statement 2 is correct.
CStrategy
For questions about specific Acts or laws, pay close attention to their scope and key provisions. Be wary of absolute statements (like 'only civil cases'). Understand the underlying objective of the Act, as it often provides clues about its functioning and provisions.
DSyllabus Analysis
This question falls under Indian Polity and Governance, specifically the Judiciary and Local Governance, addressing the legal framework at the grassroots level.
EQuestion Analysis
Medium. Requires specific knowledge of the provisions and scope of the Gram Nyayalaya Act, especially its jurisdiction over different types of cases.