Old Wine in New Bottle: Access to Justice in India and Effectiveness of Gram Nyayalayas

Abstract

This study analyses the effectiveness of access to justice through Village Courts in India (known as Gram Nyayalayas) established under the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2009. These institutions were established with the broad target to take justice delivery mechanisms (which is otherwise cumbersome in India) to the doorstep of the poor and needy Indian villagers. This study proves that Gram Nyayalayas in India has not been successful. These institutions were established only for name-sake and it had not served any of its aims as envisaged by the statute.

Keywords: Village Courts, Access to Justice, Gram Nyayalaya, Decentralization of Justice

JEL Classification: K10, K40, K41