With reference to the 'Gram Nyayalaya Act', which of the following statements is/are correct?

Correct Option

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

The Gram Nyayalaya Act, 2008, was enacted to establish Gram Nyayalayas at the grassroots level for providing access to justice to citizens at their doorstep and to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of social, economic or other disabilities.

Statement-wise Analysis

1. Incorrect: The Gram Nyayalaya Act, 2008, specifies that Gram Nyayalayas have jurisdiction over both civil and criminal cases. They can try criminal cases, civil suits, claims, or matters as specified in the First Schedule and Second Schedule to the Act.
2. Correct: The Act explicitly provides for conciliation of disputes and encourages the use of conciliators. It allows for the appointment of social activists as conciliators, mediators, or reconciliators to facilitate amicable settlements between parties.

Key Takeaway

Gram Nyayalayas are empowered to handle both civil and criminal cases and promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms through local social activists.