(a) whether the Government proposes to formulate any scheme to constitute Nyaya Panchayats to
accord judicial powers to the Panchayats;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith its jurisdiction; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
(a) whether the Government proposes to formulate any scheme to constitute Nyaya Panchayats to
accord judicial powers to the Panchayats;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith its jurisdiction; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ (SHRI MANI SHANKER AIYAR)
(a) to (c): The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is actively considering a Bill on Nyaya Panchayats
in order to provide an alternative decentralized forum of dispute resolution through mediation,
conciliation and compromise at the grassroots level with community involvement. A Drafting
Committee constituted by the Ministry for this purpose, chaired by the eminent jurist, Professor
Upendra Baxi, has submitted its report. One round of consultations with Central Ministries and
State Governments/Union Territory Administrations has been completed. A second round of
consultation with them is under way. The final picture on the powers and jurisdiction of the
Nyaya Panchayats would emerge after consideration of the comments received.