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House Panel Demands Daily Functioning of Gram Nyayalayas to Clear Backlog

A Parliamentary Standing Committee has highlighted the irregular functioning of Gram Nyayalayas, with many rural courts operating only two days a week. The panel, chaired by Brij Lal, reiterated its demand for these courts to function daily to effectively reduce case backlogs at the local level. It also emphasized the need to fill vacancies for Nyayadhikaris and secure better support from state governments. The Department of Justice has communicated the recommendation to states, though implementation falls under state jurisdiction.

Key Points: Panel Urges Daily Operation of Rural Gram Nyayalayas

  • Panel recommends courts function all working days
  • Flags current 2-day weekly operation in some states
  • Seeks urgent filling of judicial vacancies
  • Stresses need for state government support
2 min read

Gram Nyayalayas should not function just 2-3 days in a week: House panel

Parliamentary committee flags rural courts working only 2 days a week, seeks regular functioning and filling vacancies for speedy justice.

"The success of Gram Nyayalayas depends on their regular functioning - Parliamentary Committee Report"

New Delhi, March 16

A Parliamentary Standing Committee has suggested regular functioning of Gram Nyayalayas, flagging that in some states these rural courts work only for two days a week, an official said on Monday.

The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, chaired by Brij Lal, Bharatiya Janata Party Rajya Sabha MP, reiterated its recommendation made in 147th Report that Gram Nyayalayas must function on all working days in order to effectively reduce the backlog of cases at the local level.

The Committee presented its 162nd Report on the Demands for Grants (2026-27) of the Department of Justice (Ministry of Law and Justice) on Monday in both the Houses of Parliament, the official said in a statement.

In the report, the House panel also sought early filling up of vacancies in rural courts.

"The Committee believe that early creation of posts and timely filling up of vacancies of Nyayadhikaris would ensure uninterrupted functioning of Gram Nyayalayas."

"The Committee is of the opinion that Gram Nyayalayas were intended to improve access to justice at the grassroots level. By establishing it, it will be able to provide speedy, affordable and decentralised justice, especially in rural and remote areas," the report said.

"The success of Gram Nyayalayas depends on their regular functioning, availability of basic infrastructure, presence of trained judicial officers and adequate support from the state governments," the report added.

The Committee observed that since establishment of Gram Nyayalayas is not mandatory for states and that, in many states where such courts exist, they function only for two days a week, restricting the effectiveness in disposal of cases.

Responding to the Committee's recommendation that Gram Nyayalayas should function on all working days instead of one or two days a week, the Department said that although the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the state governments, the Department has issued a letter on April 30, 2025, to the states.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good point by the panel, but will the states listen? The Centre can only send letters. Real change needs political will at the state level to fund infrastructure and appoint judges. Otherwise, it's just another report gathering dust.
A
Aman W
Justice delayed is justice denied. How can a court that sits for 2 days a week handle the load? It defeats the whole purpose of 'speedy justice'. Fill the vacancies, provide proper buildings and internet. Basic things!
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with rural communities, this is crucial. Villagers often have to travel far and lose a day's wage just for a hearing. If the court isn't even open, they lose all hope. Regular functioning is the bare minimum.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, the committee is right but the problem is deeper. Why is it not mandatory for states? Until that changes, many states will treat this as a low priority. The law needs teeth to ensure implementation.
N
Nisha Z
Finally, someone is talking about this! Gram Nyayalayas can be a game-changer for women seeking justice in property or domestic issues. But what's the use if they are barely open? Hope state governments act on this. 🤞

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