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
- (b) 2 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Why the answer is (b)
• The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 creates village-level courts presided over by a Nyayadhikari (first-class judicial magistrate) to provide cheap, speedy justice.
• Statement 1 is wrong: Gram Nyayalayas try both criminal cases (listed in the First Schedule) and civil suits (Second Schedule).
• Statement 2 is correct: Sections 26–27 let the court refer disputes to conciliation and appoint local social activists, among others, as conciliators.
• Only a few hundred Gram Nyayalayas have been notified so far, far fewer than envisaged.
• Hence 2 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: they hear criminal cases too.
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- Statement 1 is wrong.
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- Statement 2 is correct: social activists can be conciliators.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2016, held on 7 August 2016. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.