PERMANENT LOK ADALATS (PLA).
Permanent Lok Adalats (PLAs) are special dispute resolution bodies established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 to settle disputes relating to public utility services through conciliation and adjudication. They are part of the legal aid framework created to ensure access to justice under Article 39A of the Constitution of India.
The Telangana State Legal Services Authority (TSLSA) has established Permanent Lok Adalats to provide quick, inexpensive and informal settlement of disputes without lengthy litigation. PLAs primarily deal with disputes involving public utility services, and their decisions are final and binding like a decree of a civil court.
Legal Framework Governing Permanent Lok Adalats:
Permanent Lok Adalats are governed by Chapter VI-A of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, which includes:
* Section 22A-Definition of Public Utility Services.
* Section 22B-Establishment of Permanent Lok Adalats.
* Section 22C-Cognizance of cases by PLA.
* Section 22D-Procedure and powers of PLA.
* Section 22E-Award of PLA and it is final.
Important Legal Features: –
* PLA can take pre-litigation disputes relating to public utility services.
* The value of the dispute must not exceed 1 crore.
* PLA cannot deal with non-compoundable criminal offences.
Awards passed by PLA are:
* Final and binding.
* Equivalent to a civil court decree.
* Executable in civil court.
: Composition of Permanent Lok Adalat:
- A Permanent Lok Adalat generally consists of:
* Chairperson – A retired District and Sessions Judge.
* Two other members with experience in public utility services or related fields.
This structure ensures both legal expertise and sectoral knowledge in dispute resolution.
Types of Disputes Handled by Permanent Lok Adalats.
Permanent Lok Adalats deal with disputes relating to public utility services which includes:
- Transport services for passengers or goods by air, road, or water
- Postal, telegraph and telephone services
iii. Supply of power, light or water to the public by any establishment; or
System of Public conservancy or Sanitation; or
- Service in Hospital or dispensary; or
- Insurance services; or
- Banking and other Financial Institutions; or
vii. NREG Scheme; or
viii. Education or Educational Institution; or
- Housing and Real estate Services.
These disputes are usually daily life consumer disputes affecting the public.
Procedure Followed in Permanent Lok Adalat.
The procedure before PLA is simple and informal, aimed at quick settlement.
Step-wise process
- Application filed before PLA (before approaching court).
- Conciliation proceedings start between the parties.
- PLA attempts to facilitate an amicable settlement.
- If settlement is reached Award passed on consent.
- If settlement fails PLA decides the dispute on merits.
This makes PLA different from ordinary Lok Adalats because PLAs can adjudicate disputes if conciliation fails.
Permanent Lok Adalats in Telangana.
According to the TSLSA notification, the following Permanent Lok Adalats are functioning in Telangana:
- Permanent Lok Adalat – Hyderabad.
Nyaya Seva Sadan, City Civil Court Complex, Chatabazar, Hyderabad (Phone No.:040 – 23442499).
- Permanent Lok Adalat- Karimnagar.
Nyaya Seva Sadan, District Court Complex, Karimnagar (Phone No.0878 – 2262833.
- Permanent Lok Adalat- Nizamabad.
Nyaya Seva Sadan, District Court Complex, Nizamabad (Phone No. 08462 – 253322).
- Permanent Lok Adalat- Ranga Reddy.
Nyaya Seva Sadan, District Court Complex, Ranga Reddy (Phone No.040 – 23446348).
- Permanent Lok Adalat- Warangal.
Nyaya Seva Sadan, District Court Complex, Warangal.
- Permanent Lok Adalat- Adilabad.
Nyaya Seva Sadan, District Court Complex, Adilabad.
Role of PLVs in Permanent Lok Adalats: –
- Educate citizens about Permanent Lok Adalats and free dispute resolution.
- Identify disputes related to public utility services and guide victims to PLA.
- Assist people in filing applications before PLA.
- Help vulnerable groups access free legal aid services.
- Spread awareness through legal literacy camps and community meetings.
- Conducting legal awareness programs
- Assisting individuals in approaching legal aid institutions
- Helping victims in filing complaints with authorities
- Providing guidance regarding legal rights and remedies.
- Coordinating with lawyers, police officers, and social workers.
1. Hyderabad
2. Karimnagar
3. Adilabad
4. Nizamabad
5. Ranga Reddy
6. Warangal