Vidhi Codex

The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008

The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008

General200840 sections8 chapters

The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 regulates the establishment of local, mobile village courts to handle minor civil disputes and criminal cases. It applies primarily to all rural populations across India, except for specified northeastern states and tribal regions. This legislation matters because it brings the justice system directly to rural citizens' doorsteps, reducing travel, formal legal delays, and high litigation costs. By using simplified, speedy procedures and local conciliators, these courts actively encourage peaceful settlements. Ultimately, the Act makes legal redress highly accessible and affordable for ordinary villagers, strengthening local governance and reducing the heavy caseload of traditional higher courts.

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Chapter I PRELIMINARY →

  1. 1Short title, extent and commencement.
  2. 2Definitions.

Chapter II GRAM NYAYALAYA →

  1. 3Establishment of Gram Nyayalayas.
  2. 4Headquarters of Gram Nyayalayas.
  3. 5Appointment of Nyayadhikari.
  4. 6Qualifications for appointment of Nyayadhikari.
  5. 7Salary, allowances and other terms and conditions of service of Nyayadhikari.
  6. 8Nyayadhikari not to preside over proceedings in which he is interested.
  7. 9Nyayadhikari to hold mobile courts and conduct proceedings in villages.
  8. 10Seal of Gram Nyayalaya.

Chapter III JURISDICTION, POWERS AND AUTHORITY OF GRAM NYAYALAYA →

  1. 11Jurisdiction of Gram Nyayalaya.
  2. 12Criminal jurisdiction.
  3. 13Civil jurisdiction.
  4. 14Power to amend Schedules.
  5. 15Limitation.
  6. 16Transfer of pending proceedings.
  7. 17Duties of ministerial officers.

Chapter IV PROCEDURE IN CRIMINAL CASES →

  1. 18Overriding effect of Act in criminal trial.
  2. 19Gram Nyayalaya to follow summary trial procedure.
  3. 20Plea bargaining before Gram Nyayalaya.
  4. 21Conduct of cases in Gram Nyayalaya and legal aid to parties.
  5. 22Pronouncement of judgment.

Chapter V PROCEDURE IN CIVIL CASES →

  1. 23Overriding effect of Act in civil proceedings.
  2. 24Special procedure in civil disputes.
  3. 25Execution of decrees and orders or Gram Nyayalaya.
  4. 26Duty of Gram Nyayalaya to make efforts for conciliation and settlement of civil disputes.
  5. 27Appointment of Conciliators.
  6. 28Transfer of civil disputes.

Chapter VI PROCEDURE GENERALLY →

  1. 29Proceedings to be in the official language of the State.
  2. 30Application of Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
  3. 31Record of oral evidence.
  4. 32Evidence of formal character on affidavit.

Chapter VII APPEALS →

  1. 33Appeal in criminal cases.
  2. 34Appeal in civil cases.

Chapter VIII MISCELLANEOUS →

  1. 35Assistance of police to Gram Nyayalayas.
  2. 36Nyayadhikaris and employees, etc., to be public servants.
  3. 37Inspection of Gram Nyayalayas.
  4. 38Power to remove difficulties.
  5. 39Power of High Court to make rules.
  6. 40Power of State Government to make rules.

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