New Delhi, Dec 13 (LatestNewsX)
Back in the Parliament, Arjun Ram Meghwal explained that currently 333 Gram Nyayalayas are functioning across 11 states, bringing the justice system directly to people’s homes under the provisions of the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008. Uttar Pradesh leads the way with 109 courts in operation, followed by Madhya Pradesh, which has 89 active rural tribunals.
According to data supplied by state authorities and high courts, 15 states and union territories have formally announced a total of 488 Gram Nyayalayas. Of these, 333 are already up and running in 11 states as of October 31, 2025.
The Act authorizes the creation of these district‑level courts. Section 3(1) requires state governments, after consulting their respective high courts, to establish at least one Gram Nyayalaya for every intermediate panchayat—or for clusters of nearby panchayats—within a district, or for clusters where an intermediate panchayat is absent.
Meghwal also highlighted that Telangana, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Andhra Pradesh still have no operational courts, even though they have collectively notified 119 such institutions.
Regarding funding, the central government offers one‑off support to states and union territories for non‑recurring setup costs, capped at ₹18 lakh per Gram Nyayalaya once it becomes operational. Recurring operational assistance is also available, limited to ₹3.20 lakh per court each year for the first three years.
When asked why some states remain slow to set up the required number of courts, Meghwal noted that the 2008 Act does not enforce a mandatory establishment. Key obstacles include vacant positions for judges, a shortage of public prosecutors and notaries, a dearth of senior magistrates, limited staffing, restricted jurisdiction, insufficient state financing, hesitancy from legal and administrative officials, and a lack of public awareness.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
