The Indian government is launching a new initiative to empower women and promote gender justice. The initiative, known as Nari Adalats, will establish women-only courts at the village level. These courts will serve as alternative dispute resolution forums for issues such as domestic violence, property rights, and challenging the patriarchal system.
Nari Adalats will be staffed by a panel of Nyaya Sakhis, or legal friends. Half of the members will be elected members of the gram panchayat, while the other half will be women with social standing, such as teachers, doctors, and social workers, nominated by villagers. The Nyaya Sakhis will select a Mukhya Nyaya Sakhi (chief legal friend) to head the Nari Adalat for a typical six-month term.
Although Nari Adalats do not hold legal status, their primary focus is on reconciliation, grievance redressal, and promoting awareness of rights and entitlements. The hope is that these courts will provide women with a safe and supportive space to resolve their disputes and to learn about their rights.
Additional Information:
- Nari Adalats are inspired by the Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats (People’s Court of Women) previously run by the National Commission for Women.
- The Nari Adalats will be implemented under the Sambal sub-scheme of Mission Shakti, a government program aimed at empowering women.
- The Nari Adalats will be piloted in 50 villages in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir, and will be expanded to the entire country in the next six months.