Q. With reference to Lok Adalat, consider the following statements:

1. Lok Adalat is presided over by a sitting or retired judicial officer
2. Main condition of the Lok Adalat is that both parties in dispute should agree for settlement.
3. There is no court fee in Lok Adalat
4. The procedural laws and the Evidence Act are not strictly followed while assessing the merits of the claim by the Lok Adalat

Which among the above is / are correct statements?
Answer: 1, 2, 3 & 4
Notes: Lok Adalats (people’s courts) settle dispute through conciliation and compromise. The First Lok Adalat was held in Una city in Junagarh district of Gujarat in 1982. Generally, Lok Adalat accepts the cases pending in the regular courts within their jurisdiction which could be settled by conciliation and compromise. The decision of the Lok Adalat is binding on the parties to the dispute and its order is capable of execution through legal process. No appeal lies against the order of the Lok Adalat.