The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008
Administered Ministry: Ministry of Law and Justice / Department of Justice
Section
Section 21 Conduct of cases in Gram Nyayalaya and legal aid to parties.
(1) For the purpose of conducting criminal cases in the Gram Nyayalaya on behalf of the Government, the provisions of section 25 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974) shall apply.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), in a criminal proceeding before the Gram Nyayalaya, the complainant may engage an advocate of his choice at his expense to present the case of prosecution with the leave of the Gram Nyayalaya.
(3) The State Legal Services Authority, constituted under section 6 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 (39 of 1987) shall prepare a panel of advocates and assign at least two of them to be attached to each Gram Nyayalaya so that their services may be provided by the Gram Nyayalaya to the accused unable to engage an advocate.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), in a criminal proceeding before the Gram Nyayalaya, the complainant may engage an advocate of his choice at his expense to present the case of prosecution with the leave of the Gram Nyayalaya.
(3) The State Legal Services Authority, constituted under section 6 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 (39 of 1987) shall prepare a panel of advocates and assign at least two of them to be attached to each Gram Nyayalaya so that their services may be provided by the Gram Nyayalaya to the accused unable to engage an advocate.
Section 22 Pronouncement of judgment.
(1) The judgment in every trial shall be pronounced by the Nyayadhikari in open court immediately after the termination of the trial or at any subsequent time, not exceeding fifteen days, of which notice shall be given to the parties.
(2) The Gram Nyayalaya shall deliver a copy of its judgment immediately to both the parties free of cost.
(2) The Gram Nyayalaya shall deliver a copy of its judgment immediately to both the parties free of cost.
Section 23 Overriding effect of Act in civil proceedings.
The provisions of this Act shall have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908) or any other law, but save as expressly provided in this Act, the provisions of the Code shall, in so far as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, apply to the proceedings before a Gram Nyayalaya; and for the purpose of the said provisions of the Code, the Gram Nyayalaya shall be deemed to be a civil court.
Section 24 Special procedure in civil disputes.
(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, every suit, claim or dispute under this Act shall be instituted by making an application to the Gram Nyayalaya in such form, in such manner, and accompanied by such fee, not exceeding rupees one hundred, as may be prescribed by the High Court, from time to time, in consultation with the State Government.
(2) Where a suit, claim or dispute has been duly instituted, a summons shall be issued by the Gram Nyayalaya, accompanied by a copy of the application made under sub-section (1), to the opposite party to appear and answer the claim by such date as may be specified therein and the same shall be served in such manner as may be prescribed by the High Court.
(3) After the opposite party files his written statement, the Gram Nyayalaya shall fix a date for hearing and inform all the parties to be present in person or through their advocates.
(4) On the date fixed for hearing, the Gram Nyayalaya shall hear both the parties in regard to their respective contentions and where the dispute does not require recording of any evidence, pronounce the judgment; and in case where it requires recording of evidence, the Gram Nyayalaya shall proceed further.
(5) The Gram Nyayalaya shall also have the power—
(a) to dismiss any case for default or to proceed ex parte; and
(b) to set aside any such order of dismissal for default or any order passed by it for hearing the case ex parte.
(6) In regard to any incidental matter that may arise during the course of the proceedings, the Gram Nyayalaya shall adopt such procedure as it may deem just and reasonable in the interest of justice.
(7) The proceedings shall, as far as practicable, be consistent with the interests of justice and the hearing shall be continued on a day-to-day basis until its conclusion, unless the Gram Nyayalaya finds the adjournment of the hearing beyond the following day to be necessary for reasons to be recorded in writing.
(8) The Gram Nyayalaya shall dispose of the application made under sub-section (1) within a period of six months from the date of its institution.
(9) The judgment in every suit, claim or dispute shall be pronounced in open court by the Gram Nyayalaya immediately after conclusion of hearing or at any subsequent time, not exceeding fifteen days, of which notice shall be given to the parties.
(10) The judgment shall contain a concise statement of the case, the point for determination, the decision thereon and the reasons for such decision.
(11) A copy of the judgment shall be delivered free of cost to both the parties within three days from the date of pronouncement of the judgment.
(2) Where a suit, claim or dispute has been duly instituted, a summons shall be issued by the Gram Nyayalaya, accompanied by a copy of the application made under sub-section (1), to the opposite party to appear and answer the claim by such date as may be specified therein and the same shall be served in such manner as may be prescribed by the High Court.
(3) After the opposite party files his written statement, the Gram Nyayalaya shall fix a date for hearing and inform all the parties to be present in person or through their advocates.
(4) On the date fixed for hearing, the Gram Nyayalaya shall hear both the parties in regard to their respective contentions and where the dispute does not require recording of any evidence, pronounce the judgment; and in case where it requires recording of evidence, the Gram Nyayalaya shall proceed further.
(5) The Gram Nyayalaya shall also have the power—
(a) to dismiss any case for default or to proceed ex parte; and
(b) to set aside any such order of dismissal for default or any order passed by it for hearing the case ex parte.
(6) In regard to any incidental matter that may arise during the course of the proceedings, the Gram Nyayalaya shall adopt such procedure as it may deem just and reasonable in the interest of justice.
(7) The proceedings shall, as far as practicable, be consistent with the interests of justice and the hearing shall be continued on a day-to-day basis until its conclusion, unless the Gram Nyayalaya finds the adjournment of the hearing beyond the following day to be necessary for reasons to be recorded in writing.
(8) The Gram Nyayalaya shall dispose of the application made under sub-section (1) within a period of six months from the date of its institution.
(9) The judgment in every suit, claim or dispute shall be pronounced in open court by the Gram Nyayalaya immediately after conclusion of hearing or at any subsequent time, not exceeding fifteen days, of which notice shall be given to the parties.
(10) The judgment shall contain a concise statement of the case, the point for determination, the decision thereon and the reasons for such decision.
(11) A copy of the judgment shall be delivered free of cost to both the parties within three days from the date of pronouncement of the judgment.
Section 25 Execution of decrees and orders or Gram Nyayalaya.
(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908) the judgment passed by a Gram Nyayalaya shall be deemed to be a decree and it shall be executed by a Gram Nyayalaya as a decree of the civil court and for this purpose, the Gram Nyayalaya shall have all the powers of a civil court.
(2) The Gram Nyayalaya shall not be bound by the procedure in respect of execution of a decree as provided in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908) and it shall be guided by the principles of natural justice.
(3) A decree may be executed either by the Gram Nyayalaya which passed it or by the other Gram Nyayalaya to which it is sent for execution.
(2) The Gram Nyayalaya shall not be bound by the procedure in respect of execution of a decree as provided in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908) and it shall be guided by the principles of natural justice.
(3) A decree may be executed either by the Gram Nyayalaya which passed it or by the other Gram Nyayalaya to which it is sent for execution.
Section 26 Duty of Gram Nyayalaya to make efforts for conciliation and settlement of civil disputes.
(1) In every suit or proceeding, endeavour shall be made by the Gram Nyayalaya in the first instance, where it is possible to do so, consistent with the nature and circumstances of the case, to assist, persuade and conciliate the parties in arriving at a settlement in respect of the subject matter of the suit, claim or dispute and for this purpose, a Gram Nyayalaya shall follow such procedure as may be prescribed by the High Court.
(2) Where in any suit or proceeding, it appears to the Gram Nyayalaya at any stage that there is a reasonable possibility of a settlement between the parties, the Gram Nyayalaya may adjourn the proceeding for such period as it thinks fit to enable them to make attempts to effect such a settlement.
(3) Where any proceeding is adjourned under sub-section (2), the Gram Nyayalaya may, in its discretion, refer the matter to one or more Conciliators for effecting a settlement between the parties.
(4) The power conferred by sub-section (2) shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of, any other power of the Gram Nyayalaya to adjourn the proceeding.
(2) Where in any suit or proceeding, it appears to the Gram Nyayalaya at any stage that there is a reasonable possibility of a settlement between the parties, the Gram Nyayalaya may adjourn the proceeding for such period as it thinks fit to enable them to make attempts to effect such a settlement.
(3) Where any proceeding is adjourned under sub-section (2), the Gram Nyayalaya may, in its discretion, refer the matter to one or more Conciliators for effecting a settlement between the parties.
(4) The power conferred by sub-section (2) shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of, any other power of the Gram Nyayalaya to adjourn the proceeding.
Section 27 Appointment of Conciliators.
(1) For the purposes of section 26, the 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.
(2) The sitting fee and other allowances payable to, and the other terms and conditions for engagement of, Conciliators shall be such as may be prescribed by the State Government.
(2) The sitting fee and other allowances payable to, and the other terms and conditions for engagement of, Conciliators shall be such as may be prescribed by the State Government.
Section 28 Transfer of civil disputes.
The District Court having jurisdiction may, on an application made by any party or when there is considerable pendency of cases in one Gram Nyayalaya or whenever it considers necessary in the interests of justice, transfer any case pending before a Gram Nyayalaya to any other Gram Nyayalaya within its jurisdiction.
Section 29 Proceedings to be in the official language of the State.
The proceedings before the Gram Nyayalaya and its judgment shall, as far as practicable, be in one of the official languages of the State other than the English language.
Section 30 Application of Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
A Gram Nyayalaya may receive as evidence any report, statement, document, information or matter that may, in its opinion, assist it to deal effectually with a dispute, whether or not the same would be otherwise relevant or admissible under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (1 of 1872).
Section 31 Record of oral evidence.
In suits or proceedings before a Gram Nyayalaya, it shall not be necessary to record the evidence of witnesses at length, but the Nyayadhikari, as the examination of each witness proceeds, shall, record or cause to be recorded, a memorandum of substance of what the witness deposes, and such memorandum shall be signed by the witness and the Nyayadhikari and it shall form part of the record.
Section 32 Evidence of formal character on affidavit.
(1) The evidence of any person where such evidence is of a formal character, may be given by affidavit and may, subject to all just exceptions, be read in evidence in any suit or proceeding before a Gram Nyayalaya.
(2) The Gram Nyayalaya may, if it thinks fit, and shall, on the application of any of the parties to the suit or proceeding, summon and examine any such person as to the facts contained in his affidavit.
(2) The Gram Nyayalaya may, if it thinks fit, and shall, on the application of any of the parties to the suit or proceeding, summon and examine any such person as to the facts contained in his affidavit.
Section 33 Appeal in criminal cases.
(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974) or any other law, no appeal shall lie from any judgment, sentence or order of a Gram Nyayalaya except as provided hereunder.
(2) No appeal shall lie where—
(a) an accused person has pleaded guilty and has been convicted on such plea;
(b) the Gram Nyayalaya has passed only a sentence of fine not exceeding one thousand rupees.
(3) Subject to sub-section (2), an appeal shall lie from any other judgment, sentence or order of a Gram Nyayalaya to the Court of Session.
(4) Every appeal under this section shall be preferred within a period of thirty days from the date of judgment, sentence or order of a Gram Nyayalaya:
Provided that the Court of Session may entertain an appeal after the expiry of the said period of thirty days if it is satisfied that the appellant had sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal within the said period.
(5) An appeal preferred under sub-section (3) shall be heard and disposed of by the Court of Session within six months from the date of filing of such appeal.
(6) The Court of Session may, pending disposal of the appeal, direct the suspension of the sentence or order appealed against.
(7) The decision of the Court of Session under sub-section (5) shall be final and no appeal or revision shall lie from the decision of the Court of Session:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall preclude any person from availing of the judicial remedies available under articles 32 and 226 of the Constitution.
(2) No appeal shall lie where—
(a) an accused person has pleaded guilty and has been convicted on such plea;
(b) the Gram Nyayalaya has passed only a sentence of fine not exceeding one thousand rupees.
(3) Subject to sub-section (2), an appeal shall lie from any other judgment, sentence or order of a Gram Nyayalaya to the Court of Session.
(4) Every appeal under this section shall be preferred within a period of thirty days from the date of judgment, sentence or order of a Gram Nyayalaya:
Provided that the Court of Session may entertain an appeal after the expiry of the said period of thirty days if it is satisfied that the appellant had sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal within the said period.
(5) An appeal preferred under sub-section (3) shall be heard and disposed of by the Court of Session within six months from the date of filing of such appeal.
(6) The Court of Session may, pending disposal of the appeal, direct the suspension of the sentence or order appealed against.
(7) The decision of the Court of Session under sub-section (5) shall be final and no appeal or revision shall lie from the decision of the Court of Session:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall preclude any person from availing of the judicial remedies available under articles 32 and 226 of the Constitution.
Section 34 Appeal in civil cases.
(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908) or any other law, and subject to sub-section (2), an appeal shall lie from every judgment or order, not being an interlocutory order, of a Gram Nyayalaya to the District Court.
(2) No appeal shall lie from any judgment or order passed by the Gram Nyayalaya—
(a) with the consent of the parties;
(b) where the amount or value of the subject matter of a suit, claim or dispute does not exceed rupees one thousand;
(c) except on a question of law, where the amount or value of the subject matter of such suit, claim or dispute does not exceed rupees five thousand.
(3) Every appeal under this section shall be preferred within a period of thirty days from the date of the judgment or order of a Gram Nyayalaya:
Provided that the District Court may entertain an appeal after the expiry of the said period of thirty days if it is satisfied that the appellant had sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal within the said period.
(4) An appeal preferred under sub-section (1) shall be heard and disposed of by the District Court within six months from the date of filing of the appeal.
(5) The District Court may, pending disposal of the appeal, stay execution of the judgment or order appealed against.
(6) The decision of the District Court under sub-section (4) shall be final and no appeal or revision shall lie from the decision of the District Court:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall preclude any person from availing of the judicial remedies available under articles 32 and 226 of the Constitution.
(2) No appeal shall lie from any judgment or order passed by the Gram Nyayalaya—
(a) with the consent of the parties;
(b) where the amount or value of the subject matter of a suit, claim or dispute does not exceed rupees one thousand;
(c) except on a question of law, where the amount or value of the subject matter of such suit, claim or dispute does not exceed rupees five thousand.
(3) Every appeal under this section shall be preferred within a period of thirty days from the date of the judgment or order of a Gram Nyayalaya:
Provided that the District Court may entertain an appeal after the expiry of the said period of thirty days if it is satisfied that the appellant had sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal within the said period.
(4) An appeal preferred under sub-section (1) shall be heard and disposed of by the District Court within six months from the date of filing of the appeal.
(5) The District Court may, pending disposal of the appeal, stay execution of the judgment or order appealed against.
(6) The decision of the District Court under sub-section (4) shall be final and no appeal or revision shall lie from the decision of the District Court:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall preclude any person from availing of the judicial remedies available under articles 32 and 226 of the Constitution.
Section 35 Assistance of police to Gram Nyayalayas.
(1) Every police officer functioning within the local limits of jurisdiction of a Gram Nyayalaya shall be bound to assist the Gram Nyayalaya in the exercise of its lawful authority.
(2) Whenever the Gram Nyayalaya, in the discharge of its functions, directs a revenue officer or police officer or Government servant to provide assistance to the Gram Nyayalaya, he shall be bound to provide such assistance.
(2) Whenever the Gram Nyayalaya, in the discharge of its functions, directs a revenue officer or police officer or Government servant to provide assistance to the Gram Nyayalaya, he shall be bound to provide such assistance.
Section 36 Nyayadhikaris and employees, etc., to be public servants.
The Nyayadhikaris and the officers and other employees of the Gram Nyayalayas shall be deemed, when acting or purporting to act in pursuance of any of the provisions of this Act, to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).
Section 37 Inspection of Gram Nyayalayas.
The High Court may authorise any judicial officer superior in rank to the Nyayadhikari to inspect the Gram Nyayalayas within his jurisdiction once in every six months or such other period as the High Court may prescribe and issue such instructions, as he considers necessary and submit a report to the High Court.
Section 38 Power to remove difficulties.
(1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as may appear to it to be necessary or expedient for removing the difficulty:
Provided that no order shall be made under this section after the expiry of a period of three years from the date of commencement of this Act.
(2) Every order made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament.
Provided that no order shall be made under this section after the expiry of a period of three years from the date of commencement of this Act.
(2) Every order made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament.
Section 39 Power of High Court to make rules. 1 docs
(1) The High Court may, by notification, make rules for carrying out the provisions of this Act.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:—
(a) the form and dimensions of the seal of the Gram Nyayalaya under section 10;
(b) the form, the manner and the fee for institution of suit, claim or proceeding under sub-section (1) of section 24;
(c) manner of service on opposite party under sub-section (2) of section 24;
(d) procedure for conciliation under sub-section (1) of section 26;
(e) qualifications and experience of Conciliators under sub-section (1) of section 27;
(f) the period for inspection of Gram Nyayalayas under section 37.
(3) Every notification issued by the High Court shall be published in the Official Gazette.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:—
(a) the form and dimensions of the seal of the Gram Nyayalaya under section 10;
(b) the form, the manner and the fee for institution of suit, claim or proceeding under sub-section (1) of section 24;
(c) manner of service on opposite party under sub-section (2) of section 24;
(d) procedure for conciliation under sub-section (1) of section 26;
(e) qualifications and experience of Conciliators under sub-section (1) of section 27;
(f) the period for inspection of Gram Nyayalayas under section 37.
(3) Every notification issued by the High Court shall be published in the Official Gazette.
Section 40 Power of State Government to make rules.
(1) The State Government may, by notification, make rules for carrying out the provisions of this Act.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:—
(a) the salaries and allowances payable to, and the other terms and conditions of service of, the officers and other employees of the Gram Nyayalayas under sub-section (2) of section 17;
(b) the sitting fee and other allowances payable to, and the other terms and conditions for engagement of, Conciliators under sub-section (2) of section 27.
(3) Every rule made by the State Government under this Act shall be laid as soon as may be after it is made, before the State Legislature.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:—
(a) the salaries and allowances payable to, and the other terms and conditions of service of, the officers and other employees of the Gram Nyayalayas under sub-section (2) of section 17;
(b) the sitting fee and other allowances payable to, and the other terms and conditions for engagement of, Conciliators under sub-section (2) of section 27.
(3) Every rule made by the State Government under this Act shall be laid as soon as may be after it is made, before the State Legislature.