Are There Really 333 Gram Nyayalayas Functioning in 11 States?
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Synopsis
Discover how the establishment of 333 Gram Nyayalayas across 11 States is transforming access to justice in India. Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal sheds light on the challenges and successes of this initiative introduced under the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008.
Key Takeaways
- 333 Gram Nyayalayas are operational in 11 States.
- Uttar Pradesh leads with 109 Gram Nyayalayas.
- Funding includes Rs 18 lakh for setup and Rs 3.20 lakh for annual operations for three years.
- Some states have not operationalized due to various challenges.
- Community awareness is crucial for the success of these courts.
New Delhi, Dec 13 (NationPress) The Minister of State for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, announced that 333 Gram Nyayalayas are currently operational across 11 States, delivering justice directly to citizens' doorsteps as per the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008.
Meghwal identified Uttar Pradesh as the leading state with 109 active rural courts, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 89.
According to data from State Governments and High Courts, 15 States and UTs have notified a total of 488 Gram Nyayalayas, of which 333 are functioning as of October 31, 2025, Meghwal noted in response to a question in the Lok Sabha.
The Act allows for the creation of Gram Nyayalayas at the intermediate panchayat level, and State Governments are tasked with their establishment in consultation with their respective High Courts, as outlined in Section 3(1) of the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008.
Meghwal pointed out that states like Telangana, J&K, Ladakh, and Andhra Pradesh currently have no operational Gram Nyayalayas, despite collectively notifying 119 of these courts.
Regarding funding, Meghwal explained that the Central Government offers one-time assistance for non-recurring expenses, capped at Rs 18 lakh per Gram Nyayalaya post-operationalization. Additionally, support for recurring operational costs amounts to Rs 3.20 lakh per Gram Nyayalaya annually for the first three years.
He elaborated that the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 does not require State Governments to establish these rural courts, stating, “The Act enables, but does not mandate, the establishment of Gram Nyayalayas.”
Furthermore, Meghwal discussed challenges faced by some states in operationalizing rural courts, which include issues like unfilled positions for Nyayadhikaris, lack of public prosecutors, and a shortage of first-class judicial magistrates. He also cited insufficient staffing, limited jurisdiction, inadequate financial support from states, reluctance from legal authorities, and a lack of community awareness as contributing factors.
Point of View
We recognize the importance of enhancing access to justice through initiatives like the Gram Nyayalayas. While the operational challenges are significant, the commitment to decentralize judicial processes is a positive step towards empowering citizens and ensuring legal support reaches the grassroots level.
NationPress
13/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gram Nyayalayas?
Gram Nyayalayas are rural courts established under the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008, aimed at providing accessible justice at the village or panchayat level.
How many Gram Nyayalayas are currently operational?
As of December 2023, 333 Gram Nyayalayas are operational across 11 States in India.
What is the role of State Governments in establishing Gram Nyayalayas?
State Governments are responsible for establishing Gram Nyayalayas in consultation with their respective High Courts, as per the provisions of the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008.
What funding is provided for Gram Nyayalayas?
The Central Government provides one-time assistance of Rs 18 lakh per Gram Nyayalaya and recurring support of Rs 3.20 lakh annually for the first three years.
Why are some states lagging in operationalizing Gram Nyayalayas?
Challenges include unfilled positions, lack of resources, and insufficient community awareness about the existence of these courts.
