Lok Adalat, also known as People's Courts. This is also the alternative dispute resolution in India which aims to resolve legal disputes outside the established court system. Many of young lawyers, interns, heard many advantages of the Lok Adalat. Now being an intern at Lawvs I will throw some points on the disadvantages part of it which are rarely touched or looked at. Here are some of the disadvantages they may face:
1. Limited experience exposure
Young lawyers who are excited for getting courtroom experience, might miss out on the opportunity to gain extensive courtroom experience because Lok Adalat focusses on swift and friendly settlements rather than the elaborate legal proceedings found in regular courts
2. Reduced chances legal research and drafting
Lok Adalat frequently rely on conciliation and mediation approaches, which may not require deep legal research or drafting skills of legal documents This can hamper young lawyers from sharpening these essential skills.
3. Lower financial earnings
Lok Adalat focusses on settlement and mediation, the fees earned by lawyers in these forums might be lower compared to regular court cases, affecting the financial expectation of young lawyers
4. Limited scope for specialization
Lok Adalat mainly deals with certain types of cases, such as civil and criminal disputes. As a result, young lawyers may not have the opportunity to specialize in different areas of law.
5. Uncertain caseload
The frequency of Lok Adalat can be unpredictable, depending on the number of cases available for resolution. This uncertainty can make it difficult for young lawyers to plan and manage their workload effectively.
6. Less legal precedence
Decisions which are given in Lok Adalat do not establish legal precedents as they are based on mutual consent and compromise. This absence of precedents may inhibit the growth of legal jurisprudence and limit the reference paints for future cases
7. Limited advocacy opportunities
In traditional courts, lawyers have much more opportunities to present oral arguments on behalf of their clients. However, Lok Adalat involve a more informal procedure, which may not help in developing a young lawyer's advocacy skills.
8. Less scope for courtroom procedures
Young lawyers might miss out on the chance to learn and familiarize themselves with courtroom procedures, handling the court documents, rules of evidence, and cross-examination techniques, essential behavioural practice in courtroom etc which are crucial aspects of litigation
9. Pressure to settle rapidly
Lok Adalat are designed to achieve speedy settlements, which may put young lawyers under pressure to compromise quickly which may lead to compromising the interests of their clients.
Despite these disadvantages, young lawyers can still be benefitted from participating in Lok Adalat as they offer a unique experience in dispute resolution, negotiation, and client counselling It can also provide a platform to network and building connections with other legal professionals and clients. However, young lawyers should consider balancing their involvement in Lok Adalat and litigation opportunities to ensure a well-rounded and fulfilling legal career
ANKIT KUMAR
LAW INTERN AT LAWVS
