Q1. What is the primary distinction between Lok Adalats and Permanent Lok Adalats?
- Lok Adalats can decide cases on merits if no settlement is reached
- Permanent Lok Adalats are limited to criminal cases only
- Permanent Lok Adalats can decide disputes on merits if parties do not reach a settlement
- Lok Adalats handle only matrimonial cases
Correct Option: 3. Permanent Lok Adalats can decide disputes on merits if parties do not reach a settlement.
Explanation: Ordinary Lok Adalats can only facilitate settlement through compromise. If no settlement is reached, the matter goes back to court. Permanent Lok Adalats (PLAs), however, are empowered to decide the case on merits if conciliation fails, specifically in matters related to public utility services.
Q2. Which of the following disputes falls under the jurisdiction of Permanent Lok Adalats?
- Electricity supply grievances
- Murder cases
- Land acquisition disputes
- Divorce proceedings
Correct Option: 1. Electricity supply grievances.
Explanation: Permanent Lok Adalats deal with public utility services such as power, water, transport, and telephone services. Electricity-related disputes fall squarely within their jurisdiction. Criminal cases (like murder) and family law issues (like divorce) are not under PLA jurisdiction.
Q3. Which one of the following is NOT a feature of Family Courts under the Family Courts Act, 1984?
- Legal representation is a right for both parties
- Emphasis on reconciliation before trial
- Exclusive jurisdiction over matrimonial and family matters
- Informal procedures and simplified evidence rules
Correct Option: 1. Legal representation is a right for both parties.
Explanation: In Family Courts, legal representation is not an automatic right. The court may allow legal assistance only when necessary, and it may appoint an amicus curiae in the interest of justice. The aim is to keep proceedings informal, focused on conciliation.
Q4. What is the pecuniary jurisdiction limit of a Permanent Lok Adalat, as per current provisions (subject to revision by the government)?
- ₹1 lakh
- ₹5 lakhs
- ₹10 lakhs
- ₹20 lakhs
Correct Option: 3. ₹10 lakhs.
Explanation: Permanent Lok Adalats currently have jurisdiction to handle disputes involving amounts up to ₹10 lakhs. However, the Central Government has the power to revise this limit as needed.
Q5. What is a mandatory requirement before establishing a Family Court in a city or town under the Family Courts Act?
- The presence of a High Court Bench
- A population exceeding one million
- Availability of a District Court
- Consent of local bar associations
Correct Option: 2. A population exceeding one million.
Explanation: The Family Courts Act, 1984 mandates the establishment of a Family Court in every city or town with a population over one million. However, State Governments may set up courts in smaller areas too if necessary.