Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases?

To decongest courts and widen access to justice under Article 39A, India relies on Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms. Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals are two distinct forms.

Lok Adalats

Statutory bodies under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, they settle disputes by conciliation and compromise. Their award is deemed a decree of a civil court, is final and binding, and admits no appeal. Permanent Lok Adalats (Section 22-B) handle public-utility disputes.

Arbitration Tribunals

Constituted under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, they arise from a prior arbitration agreement between parties who appoint arbitrators. The tribunal adjudicates on merits and delivers a binding award enforceable as a court decree, with limited grounds of challenge under Section 34.

Key distinctions

• Basis: Lok Adalat rests on mutual compromise; arbitration is adjudicatory.
• Cost and appeal: Lok Adalats are free with no appeal; arbitration involves fees and limited judicial review.

Civil and criminal cases

Lok Adalats entertain civil matters and compoundable criminal cases that can be settled by compromise, but not non-compoundable offences. Arbitration Tribunals deal only with civil and commercial disputes; criminal matters lie entirely outside their scope.