What are the disadvantages of the Lok Adalat System?

The disadvantages of the Lok Adalat System are as follows:

• In fact, Lok Adalat is brought into force to settle the cases quickly but in reality number of cases placed before the Lok Adalat is delayed beyond imagination and parties might have spent large sums in the form of advocates fees and other miscellaneous expenses.
• The majority of the cases placed before the Lok Adalat are not between living persons, but against non-living persons. For example, Motor Vehicles Accident Claim cases, telephone bills cases, Electricity board cases, etc.,
• The presiding officers of Lok Adalat are chosen from the retired judicial officers and others of that area who are having prescribed qualifications and experience. But usually, these officers are not in a position to convince the parties for the settlement of cases in an amicable manner, since they are not trained.
• The major drawback is that the system of Lok Adalats is mainly based on compromise or settlement between the parties. If the parties do not arrive at any compromise or settlement, the case is either returned to the court of law or the parties are advised to seek remedy in a court of law. This causes unnecessary delay in the dispensation of justice. 

Further Reading:

• Lok Adalats
• National Legal Services Authority of India (NALSA)
• Indian Judiciary

To read more about Alternative Dispute Resolution, check the linked article.