Q1. What is the primary purpose of establishing Gram Nyayalayas under the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008?
- To train village officials in legal matters
- To reduce the powers of regular courts
- To promote arbitration in urban areas
- To provide access to justice at the grassroots level
Correct Option: 4. To provide access to justice at the grassroots level.
Explanation: The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 aims to bring justice to the doorsteps of rural citizens by establishing mobile, affordable courts at the intermediate Panchayat level, ensuring speedy and accessible justice for all, especially the disadvantaged.
Q2. Which of the following is true about the functioning of Gram Nyayalayas?
- They follow strict procedures under the Indian Evidence Act
- They can try only civil cases
- They follow summary procedures and natural justice principles
- Appeals from Gram Nyayalayas go to the Supreme Court
Correct Option: 3. They follow summary procedures and natural justice principles.
Explanation: Gram Nyayalayas are designed to function informally and are not bound by the Indian Evidence Act. Instead, they follow summary procedures in criminal trials and are guided by natural justice, making them accessible and less technical.
Q3. What is the appellate authority for civil cases decided by Gram Nyayalayas?
- High Court
- Court of Session
- Supreme Court
- District Court
Correct Option: 4. District Court.
Explanation: Under the Gram Nyayalayas Act, appeals in civil matters lie to the District Court, and such appeals are to be disposed of within six months. Appeals in criminal matters, by contrast, go to the Court of Session.
Q4. What is the maximum one-time (non-recurring) financial assistance the Central Government provides for establishing a Gram Nyayalaya?
- ₹10 lakhs
- ₹18 lakhs
- ₹12 lakhs
- ₹20 lakhs
Correct Option: 2. ₹18 lakhs.
Explanation: The Central Government provides ₹18 lakhs as non-recurring assistance per Gram Nyayalaya, which includes ₹10 lakhs for construction, ₹5 lakhs for vehicle, and ₹3 lakhs for office equipment.
Q5. Which of the following is NOT a challenge in the operationalization of Gram Nyayalayas?
- Lack of funding from the Central Government
- Lukewarm response from the Bar (lawyers)
- Reluctance of police and other functionaries
- Problem of concurrent jurisdiction with regular courts
Correct Option: 1. Lack of funding from the Central Government.
Explanation: The Central Government provides funding and support for establishing Gram Nyayalayas. Challenges include lack of cooperation from police and officials, disinterest from lawyers, jurisdictional overlaps, and lack of support infrastructure, but not funding.