National Lok Adalat | 10 Mar 2025

Why in News?  

On 8 March 2025, the State Legal Services Authority ordered the organization of the National Lok Adalat in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. 

Key Points  

  • About the issue: 
    • In this National Lok Adalat, an opportunity was provided to settle the pending cases of power theft and irregularities under Section 135 of the Electricity Act 2003 through  mutual agreement . 
    • The Energy Minister appealed to the consumers to contact the concerned electricity office to avoid legal action and avail the rebate . 
  • Scope and eligibility
    • Low pressure category domestic , agricultural, non-domestic up to 5 kilowatt and industrial consumers up to 10 horse power will come under this scheme. 
    • Only those consumers who are involved in electricity theft/unauthorized use for the first time will get the exemption. 
    • Consumers who have already received relief from Lok Adalat/Court will not get relief again. 
    • No rebate will be given on the outstanding amount of normal electricity bills . 

Lok Adalat 

  • Introduction: 
  • The term 'Lok Adalat' means 'People's Court' and is based on Gandhian principles. 
  • According to the Supreme Court , this is an old form of adjudication system prevalent in ancient India and continues to be valid even today. 
  • It is one of the components of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system which provides informal, inexpensive and speedy justice to the common people. 
  • The first Lok Adalat camp was organized in the year 1982 in Gujarat as a voluntary and conciliation agency for decisions without any statutory backing. 
  • In view of its growing popularity over time , it was given statutory status under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. This Act makes provisions for the organisation and functioning of Lok Adalats.