House Committee Advocates for Daily Operations of Gram Nyayalayas
Synopsis
The Parliamentary Standing Committee is pressing for Gram Nyayalayas to operate every day, citing limited functioning in several states. This move aims to tackle the growing backlog of cases and improve access to justice in rural areas.
Key Takeaways
Gram Nyayalayas should operate every day to improve local justice access.
Current functioning limited to two days a week impairs effectiveness.
Committee emphasizes prompt filling of judicial vacancies.
Regular operation is essential for reducing case backlogs.
Justice accessibility in rural areas is a primary goal.
New Delhi, March 16 (NationPress) A Parliamentary Standing Committee has recommended that Gram Nyayalayas operate regularly, highlighting that in certain states, these rural courts are limited to functioning just two days a week, as stated by an official on Monday.
The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, led by Brij Lal, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Bharatiya Janata Party, reaffirmed its previous suggestion made in the 147th Report, advocating for Gram Nyayalayas to be operational on all working days to effectively address the backlog of cases at the local level.
The Committee unveiled its 162nd Report concerning the Demands for Grants (2026-27) for the Department of Justice (Ministry of Law and Justice) on Monday in both Houses of Parliament, according to the official statement.
Additionally, the House panel called for prompt action to fill vacancies within rural courts.
"The Committee believes that swift establishment of posts and timely recruitment of Nyayadhikaris would guarantee the uninterrupted operation of Gram Nyayalayas."
"The Committee is convinced that Gram Nyayalayas were designed to enhance access to justice at the grassroots level. Their establishment will facilitate rapid, affordable, and decentralized justice, particularly in rural and remote regions," the report indicated.
"The effectiveness of Gram Nyayalayas hinges on their consistent operations, adequate infrastructure, the presence of qualified judicial officers, and sufficient support from state governments," the report further added.
The Committee pointed out that since the establishment of Gram Nyayalayas is not compulsory for states, many of them function only two days a week, limiting their effectiveness in case resolution.
In response to the Committee's recommendation for Gram Nyayalayas to operate daily rather than just one or two days weekly, the Department acknowledged that while this falls under state jurisdiction, a letter was sent to states on April 30, 2025.
Point of View
The recommendation by the Parliamentary Standing Committee to enhance the operational days of Gram Nyayalayas is a crucial step towards ensuring justice is accessible in rural areas. Regular functioning could significantly help in addressing case backlogs and improve the overall judicial process.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gram Nyayalayas?
Gram Nyayalayas are rural courts established to provide accessible and affordable justice to the rural population in India.
Why does the committee want Gram Nyayalayas to operate daily?
Daily operations are recommended to effectively reduce the backlog of cases and enhance access to justice.
What are Nyayadhikaris?
Nyayadhikaris are judicial officers appointed to preside over cases in Gram Nyayalayas.
What was included in the 162nd Report?
The report emphasizes the need for regular functioning of Gram Nyayalayas and filling vacancies in rural courts.
How does this affect access to justice?
By operating daily, Gram Nyayalayas can provide timely justice, especially in rural areas where legal resources are limited.
