(a) whether the Government proposes to start/operate evening courts to curb the piling pendency of cases in Courts across the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to enhance the stature of Lok Adalats to contribute more in reduction of pending cases; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS
(SHRI P.P. CHAUDHARY)
(a) to (d): Setting up of subordinate courts, which includes evening courts falls within the domain of the State Governments who, in consultation with the concerned High Courts, take decisions as per their need and resources.
After the completion of the 13th Finance Commission award period, morning and evening courts were discontinued in all the states, except three High Court jurisdictions (Delhi, Telangana & Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu). However, the Chief Ministers and Chief Justices Conferences held in April, 2015 and in April, 2016 resolved to utilize the existing judicial infrastructure for functioning of such courts whenever required .
In order to reduce the pendency of cases in courts, the National, State and District Legal Services Authorities organize Permanent Lok Adalats and Mega/National Lok Adalats under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 in accordance with an approved calendar throughout the year. In addition, a proposal for organizing the National Lok Adalats twice in a month for all types of cases for the year 2018 has also been approved. The State Legal Services Authorities have been issued directions by the National Legal Services Authority vide National Legal Services Authority (Lok Adalat) Regulations, 2009 for organization of Lok Adalats to reduce pendency of cases.