Polity
2016
Panchayati Raj
Local Self Government

With reference to the ‘Gram Nyayalaya Act’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  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.

A.1 only
C.Both 1 and 2
D.Neither 1 nor 2
B.2 only

Correct Answer: Option B

The Gram Nyayalayas Act aims to provide accessible justice at the grassroots level.

Statement 1 is incorrect. Gram Nyayalayas are empowered to hear both civil and criminal cases.

Statement 2 is correct. Section 27(1) of the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 explicitly allows the District Court, in consultation with the District Magistrate, to prepare a panel of social workers at the village level with integrity to act as Conciliators (mediators/reconciliators).

Hence, only statement 2 is correct.

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