Grassroot Initiatives

The legal system is to facilitate the reach of justice to all levels of the society. But the fact is that it never happens and the demarcation of the haves and have nots is ever increasing inspite of the efforts of the Lok Adalats and the resurgent PILs. The Lok Adalats had a good beginning but a sad running for the reason that the poor people are largely unaware of its existence and further the people who are forced to come before it are left in the lurch because of the indignant officers of justice. In most of the cases they fail to reach a consensus because of the conservationist attitude or the lack of proper understanding of the grassroots. The judges should have an apathetic attitude to the apathy of the people who are in search of justice. In addition to this the Courts are placed quite distant from the areas which negativate any thought to go to the courts inspite of a dispute occurring. Grassroot initiatives like village panchayaths had taken this role but had weeded away. The proposed village samithis of the Legal Service Authorities is a welcoming signal, but needs to get implemented in the right manner. But the problems associated with the Lok Adalats have to be explored and rectified before the services are expanded. Gram Nyayalaya is yet to conceptualize owing to the laxity of the government and the opposition from various circles including lawyers. While the government is still making and exploring new ways and means for penetrating the justice system to the rural areas, they should improve the existing mechanisms and restructure for a more successful solution. But often they are more interested in discussing and holding seminars rather than implement it.