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Supreme Court Raises Concerns Over the Feasibility of Gram Nyayalayas

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Supreme Court Raises Concerns Over the Feasibility of Gram Nyayalayas

The Supreme Court has expressed concerns about the practicality of setting up Gram Nyayalayas (village courts) as envisioned under the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008. These courts aim to provide accessible justice to marginalized groups, ensuring that social, economic, or physical disadvantages do not hinder access to legal remedies.

Key Issues Raised by the Supreme Court:

  1. Mandatory or Discretionary Establishment:

    • The Act’s Section 3 mentions that state governments "may" establish Gram Nyayalayas, leading to ambiguity on whether it is a legal obligation.

  2. Resource Constraints:

    • State governments, already struggling with tight budgets for regular courts, face challenges in funding additional village courts.

  3. Increasing Judicial Burden:

    • High courts might be overwhelmed with appeals and writ petitions stemming from Gram Nyayalaya cases.

Important Features of Gram Nyayalayas:

  1. Location and Jurisdiction:

    • The courts are set up at the intermediate panchayat level or among multiple panchayats.
    • A state-appointed Nyayadhikari (judicial officer) presides over these courts in consultation with the high court.

  2. Types of Cases:

    • These mobile courts handle both civil and criminal cases within their jurisdiction.

  3. Dispute Resolution Process:

    • Focus is given to conciliation for resolving disputes.
    • Social workers often act as conciliators.
    • The courts follow natural justice principles instead of the traditional Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (now replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam).

Current Status of Gram Nyayalayas:

  • Implementation Challenges:

    • The original target was to establish 2,500 Gram Nyayalayas, but fewer than 500 have been set up. Out of these, only 314 are operational across India.

  • Progress in Key States:

    • States like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan have shown some progress. However, many others, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, have yet to implement the initiative effectively.

Government Support for Gram Nyayalayas:

  • Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS):
    • Under this scheme, the Union Government provides financial assistance to state governments to encourage the establishment of Gram Nyayalayas.

2 Answers

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Prelims Questions

  1. Consider the following statements regarding Gram Nyayalayas:

    1. They are bound by the principles of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
    2. Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 mandates the establishment of these courts by all states and Union Territories.
    3. Social workers act as conciliators in Gram Nyayalayas to promote dispute resolution.
      Which of the above statements is/are correct?
      a) 1 and 2 only
      b) 2 and 3 only
      c) 3 only
      d) 1, 2, and 3
      Answer: c) 3 only
      Explanation: Gram Nyayalayas follow natural justice principles and are not bound by the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. The Act gives discretion to states/UTs to establish Gram Nyayalayas, not mandating it.

  2. What is the primary aim of Gram Nyayalayas under the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008?
    a) To reduce the burden on the Supreme Court
    b) To promote traditional dispute resolution methods
    c) To ensure timely and accessible justice for marginalized communities
    d) To consolidate civil and criminal courts at the panchayat level
    Answer: c) To ensure timely and accessible justice for marginalized communities
    Explanation: Gram Nyayalayas aim to provide quick and accessible legal remedies to people who face social, economic, or other disadvantages.

  3. Match the following features with their descriptions:

    FeatureDescription
    1. NyayadhikariA. Social worker involved in conciliation
    2. Centrally Sponsored SchemeB. State-appointed judicial officer
    3. ConciliatorsC. Financial support to establish Gram Nyayalayas

    Options:
    a) 1-A, 2-C, 3-B
    b) 1-B, 2-C, 3-A
    c) 1-B, 2-A, 3-C
    d) 1-C, 2-B, 3-A
    Answer: b) 1-B, 2-C, 3-A

Mains Questions

  1. "Critically analyze the challenges in the implementation of the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008, and suggest steps to improve their effectiveness."

    • Word Limit: 250
    • Points to Consider:
      • Issues related to funding and infrastructure
      • Lack of clarity in legal mandates for state governments
      • Recommendations for improving operational efficiency

  2. "Discuss the significance of Gram Nyayalayas in enhancing access to justice in rural India. How can states overcome the challenges in setting them up?"

    • Word Limit: 300
    • Points to Consider:
      • Role in decentralizing justice
      • Financial and administrative hurdles
      • Possible reforms and state-level initiatives

  3. "Evaluate the effectiveness of the conciliation approach used by Gram Nyayalayas in resolving disputes. What changes can be introduced to make this approach more impactful?"

    • Word Limit: 200
    • Points to Consider:
      • Role of social workers as conciliators
      • Comparison with traditional legal procedures
      • Recommendations for improvement
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Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS)

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) recently approved key road projects passing through the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary in Ladakh.

About KWS

  • Location: Situated in the eastern Karakoram range in Ladakh, at the edge of the Himalayas, bordered by China and Pakistan.

  • Geography:

    • A cold desert region with glaciers.
    • Marked by extreme arid conditions.

  • Rivers: Nubra and Shyok flow through the area.

  • Fauna: Home to rare species like Snow Leopard, Tibetan Antelope, Eurasian Lynx, and Himalayan Wolf.

World Energy Outlook 2024

The International Energy Agency (IEA) released the World Energy Outlook 2024 report, focusing on the future of global energy systems.

Key Highlights:

  • Energy Security Risks:

    • Geopolitical tensions and disruptions pose significant challenges to energy supplies.
    • Around 20% of the global oil and LNG supply moves through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint.

  • Renewable Energy:

    • Over 560 GW of renewable capacity was added in 2023, highlighting the rapid transition toward clean energy.
    • More than half of the world’s electricity is expected to come from low-emission sources by 2030.

Samarth (Scheme for Capacity Building in the Textiles Sector)

The Government of India has extended the Samarth Scheme for two more years (2024-25 and 2025-26), with a budget allocation of ₹495 crore. The scheme aims to train 3 lakh persons in the textiles sector.

About Samarth:

  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Textiles

  • Objective: To develop skills and support employment across the entire textile value chain, including spinning, weaving, and apparel production.

    • It is a demand-driven program focused on job placement.

  • Achievements:

    • 3.27 lakh candidates trained so far, with 2.6 lakh gaining employment (79.5%).
    • Strong emphasis on women's employment, with 88.3% of the candidates trained so far being women.

Hand-in-Hand (HiH) Initiative

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched the 2024 Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum to promote agri-food transformations.

About the HiH Initiative:

  • Launched: In 2019 by FAO

  • Objective: To enhance agricultural development and reduce food insecurity by meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as ending hunger (SDG 2) and poverty (SDG 1).

    • It relies on geospatial mapping and data analytics to design tailored solutions.

  • Focus Areas:

    • Building value chains for agricultural commodities.
    • Developing agri-industries.

  • Members: 72 countries are part of the initiative (India is not a member).

Prelims Questions

  1. Which rivers flow through the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary?
    a) Indus and Zanskar
    b) Nubra and Shyok
    c) Chenab and Sutlej
    d) Ganga and Yamuna
    Answer: b) Nubra and Shyok
    Explanation: The Nubra and Shyok rivers are located in the cold desert region of Ladakh, where the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is situated.

  2. Which of the following is a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil and LNG supplies as mentioned in the World Energy Outlook 2024?
    a) Suez Canal
    b) Strait of Hormuz
    c) Panama Canal
    d) Bab el-Mandeb
    Answer: b) Strait of Hormuz
    Explanation: Around 20% of the global oil and LNG supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making it a crucial point for global energy security.

  3. Consider the following statements regarding the Samarth Scheme:

    1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Textiles.
    2. The scheme focuses exclusively on spinning and weaving sectors.
    3. More than 80% of the candidates trained under the scheme are women.
      Which of the above statements is/are correct?
      a) 1 and 2 only
      b) 2 and 3 only
      c) 1 and 3 only
      d) 1, 2, and 3
      Answer: c) 1 and 3 only
      Explanation: While the Samarth scheme covers the entire textile value chain, including spinning, weaving, and apparel, it does not focus exclusively on the spinning and weaving sectors.

Mains Questions

  1. "Analyze the importance of the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary in biodiversity conservation. Discuss the challenges posed by infrastructure development in ecologically sensitive areas."

    • Word Limit: 250
    • Points to Consider:
      • Importance of protecting rare species like the Snow Leopard and Tibetan Antelope
      • Balancing conservation with development needs
      • Sustainable infrastructure development strategies

  2. "Evaluate the role of the Samarth Scheme in enhancing skill development and employment in India’s textile sector. What measures can further strengthen the scheme?"

    • Word Limit: 300
    • Points to Consider:
      • Success of the scheme in providing employment opportunities
      • Need for expanding training facilities across rural areas
      • Strengthening public-private partnerships for better job placement

  3. "Discuss the impact of geopolitical tensions on global energy security, with reference to the 2024 World Energy Outlook. How can countries ensure stable energy supplies amid rising risks?"

    • Word Limit: 200
    • Points to Consider:
      • Challenges posed by disruptions in energy trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz
      • Importance of diversifying energy sources and promoting renewable energy
      • Role of international cooperation in securing energy supplies
...