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.

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

Official UPSC Civil Services Exam 2016 Prelims Part A

Answer 1

The correct answer is 2 only.

Gram Nyayalayas/village courts were established under the Gram Nyayalayas Act 2008.
They were established with an aim to provide speedy and easy access to the justice system in the rural areas of India.
The Gram Nyayalayas are presided over by a Nyayadhikari, who enjoys the same benefits as of a Judicial Magistrate of the first class.
Gram Nyayalayas tries both Civil and Criminal cases. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
As per the act, District Court shall, in consultation with the District Magistrate, prepare a panel consisting of the names of social workers at the village level having integrity for appointment as Conciliators who possess such qualifications and experience as may be prescribed by the High Court. Hence statement 2 is correct.