• 20 May 2025

Non-functioning of Permanent Lok Adalats in Rajasthan

Why in News? 

 The Rajasthan government’s delay in extending the tenure of presiding officers and members has led to the suspension of Permanent Lok Adalats (PLAs) functioning in 16 districts of the state, delaying the resolution of thousands of pending cases. 

• The State Legal Services Authority clarified on 3rd May 2025 that members whose tenure ended cannot participate in dispute resolution. 

 Note: In Jodhpur alone, over 972 cases are pending, while the Rajasthan High Court estimated the total backlog across districts may exceed 10,000 cases. 

 Key Points 

Judicial Response 

• Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognisance and expressed concern over the serious implications for access to justice and the right to a fair trial (Article 21). 
• A Division Bench of HC cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in Brij Mohan Lal vs. Union of India (2012), which permits judicial review of policy decisions if found arbitrary or mala fide. 
• A Senior Advocate has been appointed by the HC as amicus curiae to assist in the case proceedings. 
  • An amicus curiae (literally, "friend of the court") is someone who is not a party to a case and may or may not have been solicited by a party and who assists a court by offering information, expertise, and bearing on issues of the case. 

 Permanent Lok Adalats (PLAs) 

• About: 
  • PLA operates under Section 22-B of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. 
  • It is a statutory body created to ensure pre-litigation conciliation and settlement, especially in matters involving Public Utility Services. 
  • PLAs provide a mandatory pre-litigation platform for parties to attempt conciliation. 
    • However, Lok Adalats has jurisdiction over both the pending and pre-litigation matters. 
    • PLAs cannot adjudicate cases involving criminal offences. 
• Composition: 
  • Each Permanent Lok Adalat consists of: 
    • One Chairman (typically a retired judicial officer), and 
    • Two other members with experience in public service or law. 
• Binding Nature: 
  • The award passed by a Permanent Lok Adalat is final and binding on all parties. 
    • If the parties fail to reach a mutual settlement, the PLA has the authority to decide the case on merits. 
  • No appeal lies against the decision, ensuring quick and conclusive resolution. 

Implications of Non-functioning of PLAs 

• Access to Justice: Lok Adalats are an important mechanism for affordable and speedy justice, especially for vulnerable sections. 
• Case Backlog: The halt threatens to exacerbate the existing judicial backlog, delaying dispute resolution further. 
• Disruption of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Framework: The interruption weakens the alternative dispute resolution ecosystem, pushing more cases back to regular courts. 
• Litigant Uncertainty: Pending judgments resulting from the expired tenures of officials leave litigants facing prolonged uncertainty, eroding trust in the legal system. 

 Lok Adalat 

• About: Lok Adalat, or People’s Court, is a forum designed for settling disputes either pending in court or at the pre-litigation stage through compromise or amicable settlement. 
  • SC emphasises that Lok Adalat is an ancient Indian system of adjudication that still holds relevance today, rooted in Gandhian principles. 
  • It forms a part of the ADR system, which seeks to relieve the burdened Indian courts. 
• Objective: Its purpose is to provide quick, inexpensive justice without the lengthy and expensive procedures common in regular courts. 
  • In Lok Adalat, there are no victors or losers, making it a harmonious approach to dispute resolution. 
• Legal Framework: Initially functioning as a voluntary institution without legal authority, the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 provided statutory status to Lok Adalats. 
  • This Act gave the institution the authority to pass awards with the same effect as a court decree.

J&K Invokes Public Safety Act 1978

Why in News? 

 The J&K Police have invoked the Public Safety Act (PSA), 1978 against several individuals in Srinagar, citing their role in subversive activities and threats to national security and public order. 

• This large-scale detention coincides with ongoing raids by the State Investigation Agency (SIA) in the region. 

 Key Points 

Public Safety Act (PSA), 1978 

• About:  
  • PSA is a preventive detention law originally enacted by the former J&K State Legislature and is now enforced in the Union Territory of J&K. 
  • Its core objective is to authorise the detention of individuals in order to prevent acts that could threaten state security or disrupt public order. 
  • It is very similar to the National Security Act, 1980 that is used by other state governments for preventive detention. 
• Key Provisions: 
  • Detention Without Trial: 
    • The PSA allows for the detention of a person without a formal charge and without trial. 
    • It may be invoked against an individual already in police custody or immediately upon their release on bail by a court of law. 
    • Unlike in normal circumstances, a person who is detained under the PSA need not be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours as a mandatory provision. 
  • Right to File Bail Application: 
    • The detained person does not have the right to move a bail application before the court, and cannot engage any lawyer to represent him or her before the detaining authority. 
  • Section 8 of the PSA: 
    • It defines the grounds for detention and empowers the authorities to detain people acting in any manner prejudicial to the maintenance of public order. 
  • No Distinction Between Offences: 
    • It allows detention for up to 1 year for disturbance of public order and 2 years for actions prejudicial to the security of the State. 
• Challenging the Detention: 
  • The only legal remedy against an administrative preventive detention order under the PSA is through a habeas corpus petition, typically filed by the detainee’s relatives. 
  • Both the High Court and the Supreme Court have the authority to hear such petitions and may quash the detention order if found unlawful. 
    • However, even if the court sets aside the order, the government retains the power to issue a fresh detention order under the PSA. 
  • Notably, officials who issue such orders are granted legal immunity, and no prosecution or legal proceedings can be initiated against them for exercising this power. 

 National Security Act, 1980 & Preventive Detention 

• The NSA is a preventive detention law enacted in 1980 to maintain public order and national security. 
• Preventive Detention involves the detainment (containment) of a person in order to keep him/her from committing future crimes and/or from escaping future prosecution. 
  • Article 22 (3) (b) of the Constitution allows for preventive detention and restriction on personal liberty for reasons of state security and public order. 
  • Article 22(4) states that no law providing for preventive detention shall authorize the detention of a person for a longer period than three months. 
  • The detention of a person cannot exceed three months unless an advisory board reports sufficient cause for extended detention. 
  • Grounds for Preventive Detention: 
    • State security 
    • Public order 
    • Foreign Affairs, etc. 

 Habeas Corpus 

• It is a Latin term which literally means ‘to have the body of’. This writ is a bulwark of individual liberty against arbitrary detention. 
• It can be issued against both public authorities as well as private individuals. 
• The writ, on the other hand, is not issued where the: 
  • detention is lawful, 
  • the proceeding is for contempt of a legislature or a court, 
  • detention is by a competent court, and 
  • detention is outside the jurisdiction of the court.

Shahi Jama Masjid Dispute & Places of Worship Act 1991

Why in News? 

 The Allahabad High Court upheld a trial court’s decision to appoint an advocate commissioner to survey the Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district. 

 Key Points 

 Shahi Jama Masjid Dispute 

• Background: The case originated from a petition filed by local residents in a Sambhal court, claiming that the site was originally a Shri Harihar temple, which allegedly was demolished by Mughal emperor Babur in 1529. 
• Legal Status: The Shahi Jama Masjid is a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904. It is listed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a Monument of National Importance.  
• Shahi Jama Masjid & Places of Worship Act, 1991: The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, is at the center of this dispute.   
  • The Act stipulates that the religious character of places of worship as they existed on 15th August 1947, must be preserved, and prohibits any changes to the religious identity of such places.   
  • The Shahi Jama Masjid dispute challenges the Act’s provisions by seeking to alter the mosque's religious character. 

 Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 

• About:  The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, aims to preserve the religious status of places of worship, preventing conversions between different religious denominations or within the same denomination.   
  • The Act seeks to maintain communal harmony by freezing the religious character of these places and preventing disputes over such conversions.   
• Key Provisions of the Act:  
  • Section 3: Prohibits the conversion of any place of worship, either in full or in part, from one religious denomination to another.   
  • Section 4(1): Mandates that the religious identity of a place of worship must remain unchanged from its status on 15th August 1947. Any attempt to alter the religious character is prohibited.  
  • Section 4(2): Terminates all ongoing legal proceedings concerning the conversion of a place of worship's religious character prior to 15th August 1947, and prevents the initiation of new cases challenging the religious status of such places.  
  • Section 5 (Exceptions): The specific dispute at Ayodhya (Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi), which was exempted from the Act.  
    • The Act also exempted: Any place of worship which is an ancient and historical monument, or an archaeological site covered by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.  
    • Cases that have already been resolved or settled by mutual agreement.  
    • Conversions that occurred before the Act’s commencement.  
  • Section 6 (Penalties): The Act establishes strict penalties for violations, including imprisonment of up to three years and fines for attempting to change the religious character of a place of worship. 

 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)  

• ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organisation for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.  
  • Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958 governs the functioning of ASI.  
• It administers more than 3650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national importance.  
  • Its activities include carrying out surveys of antiquarian remains, exploration and excavation of archaeological sites, conservation and maintenance of protected monuments etc.  
• It was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham- the first Director-General of ASI.  
  • Alexander Cunningham is also known as the “Father of Indian Archaeology”. 

International Buyer-Seller Meet 2025

Why in News? 

 Bihar highlighted its agri-food potential at the International Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) 2025 in Patna, an event jointly organised by the state government, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), and Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI). 

 Key Points 

•  Significance of the Meet: 
  • The International Buyer-Seller Meet 2025 is a pivotal platform to boost the state’s role in India’s agri-exports, featuring Business-to-Business meetings, technical sessions, and exhibitions to foster partnerships, attract investments, and drive economic growth. 
    • The Meet attracted strong interest from global players, including those from the UAE, Japan, and Germany, seeking large-scale procurement of Bihar’s rice, spices, makhana, and fruits. 
  • The event aims to create new market linkages, enhance procurement for local Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs), and convert Bihar’s agricultural strengths into export growth. 
  • The event is considered a milestone for rural economic growth and reaffirmed the government’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’. 
• PMFME Scheme & Future Prospects: 
  • In FY 2024–25, 10,270 loans worth Rs 624.42 crore were sanctioned under the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME) Scheme—the highest among Indian states. 
  • The upcoming NIFTEM (National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management) institute in Bihar is a future hub of innovation in food technology. 
• Focus on Makhana Exports: 
  • The event saw the release of a strategic report titled “Strategies to Boost India’s Makhana Exports”, underscoring Bihar’s leadership in its unique GI-tagged product. 
    • As of 2024, there are 15 products with the GI tag in Bihar. These include Shahi Litchi, Bhagalpuri Zardalu mango, Katarni rice, Magahi Paan, Makhana (fox nut), Madhubani paintings, Sikki Grass Products, and Sujini Embroidery, etc. 

 PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME)  

• About: 
  • The Ministry of Food Processing Industry (MoFPI) has launched the PMFME scheme under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. 
  • The PMFME scheme aims to enhance the competitiveness of new and existing individual micro-enterprises in the unorganized segment of the food processing industry and promote formalization of the sector. 
  • The PMFME scheme is operational for a period of five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25 with an outlay of Rs. 10,000 Crore. 
• Focus Areas: 
  • The scheme adopts the One District One Product (ODOP) approach to reap the benefit of scale in terms of procurement of inputs, availing common services and marketing of products. 
  • Other Focus areas include Waste to wealth products, minor forest products and Aspirational Districts. 

 Makhana 

• Mithila Makhana or Makhan (botanical name: Euryale ferox Salisb.) is a special variety of aquatic fox nut cultivated in Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal. 
  • Makhana is one of the three prestigious cultural identities of Mithila, along with Pan and fish. 
  • Mithila Makhana received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2022, with Bihar contributing 80% of India’s total makhana production.
• Makhana contains protein and fiber, along with micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. 
• In May 2023, the Central government upgraded the Research Centre for Makhana, Darbhanga to "National Research Centre for Makhana, Darbhanga" and expanded its mandate to include other aquatic crops such as fish. 
• Announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, the proposed Makhana Board in Bihar seeks to streamline cultivation practices, offer technical assistance, ensure price stability, strengthen marketing infrastructure, and boost export potential. 

86th Grandmaster of India

Why in News? 

 Srihari LR of Tamil Nadu became the 86th  Grandmaster (GM) of India at the Asian Individual Men’s Chess Championship 2025 in Al Ain, UAE. 

 Key Points 

• Srihari LR’s Journey to the GM Title: 
  • Srihari earned his first GM norm at the Qatar Masters in 2023, and the second at the Chennai GM Open in 2024. 
  • He crossed the 2500 Elo rating in August 2024, but it took him almost 10 months to secure the final norm. 
    • The Elo rating system measures the relative strength of a player in some games, such as chess, compared to other players. 
• Grandmasters of India: 
  • The first Indian Grandmaster was Vishwanathan Anand, achieving the title in 1988.  
  • The first Indian woman Grandmaster was Koneru Humpy, who achieved the title in 2002 at the age of 15, becoming the world's youngest female Grandmaster at the time.  
    • Currently, there are three women Grandmasters in India: Koneru Humpy, Dronavalli Harika, and R. Vaishali.  
  • The first Indian International Master was Manuel Aron in 1961, and the first Indian woman to achieve the International Master title was Jayshree Khadikar in 1979. 

 International Chess Federation (FIDE) 

• About: 
  • FIDE is the global governing body for the sport of chess. 
  • It was founded in 1924 in Paris, France. 
  • Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. 
  • It oversees and regulates all international chess competitions. 
  • Established as a non-governmental institution, FIDE was officially recognized as a Global Sporting Organization by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1999. 
• FIDE’s Motto: 
  • "Gens una sumus" – Latin for "We are one family", emphasizing unity in the global chess community. 
• Core Activities of FIDE: 
  • Issues country rankings based on the average ratings of top 10 overall players and top 10 female players. 
  • Regulates rules, norms, and conduct of all international chess tournaments. 
  • Serves as a central platform linking national chess federations worldwide.

Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) in Kota

Why in News? 

 Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) in Kota, Rajasthan, to empower persons with disabilities and distribute assistive devices to them. 

 Key Points 

 Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) Initiative 

• About: 
  • The PMDK initiative is led by the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), a public sector unit under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. 
  • Its primary goal is to deliver high-quality, affordable assistive devices to senior citizens and persons with disabilities. 
  • As of now, 45 PMDK centres are operational across various states and Union Territories. 
    • The government aims to expand this network to 100 centres by June 2025. 
• Focus: 
  • The newly inaugurated PMDK places special emphasis on visually impaired individuals. 
  • It offers a wide range of services, including: 
    • Prosthetics and orthotics 
    • Braille appliances 
    • Mobility aids 
    • Advanced rehabilitation technologies 
• Skill Development and Empowerment: 
  • The objective is to run vocational training programmes to build skills among beneficiaries. 
  • These programmes aim to promote employment and entrepreneurship, enhancing the economic independence of persons with disabilities. 

Initiatives for the Empowerment of Disabled People 

• PM-DAKSH (Divyang Skill Development and Rehabilitation Scheme) 
• DeenDayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme 
• Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/fitting of Aids and Appliances 
• National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities 
• Unique ID for persons with disabilities (UDID) card