The Ministry Of Law and Justice has notified the increase in the sitting fee for the Chairman and other members of the Permanent Lok Adalat (PLA) from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 2,500.

The Ministry of Law and Justice has notified the Permanent Lok Adalat (Other Terms and Conditions of Appointment of Chairman and Other Persons) Amendment Rules, 2025, bringing significant updates to allowances and functioning norms of Permanent Lok Adalats (PLAs) across the country.

Enhanced Sitting Fee:

The remuneration for attending the sittings of the Permanent Lok Adalat has been revised. The sitting fee for the Chairman and other members has been increased from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 2,500.

Revised Conveyance Allowance Based on City Classification:

The rules now specify a city-wise conveyance allowance structure based on population size:

• X Class Cities (50 lakh+ population): Rs. 1,000 per sitting
• Y Class Cities (5 lakh to 50 lakh population): Rs. 750 per sitting
• Z Class Cities (below 5 lakh population): Rs. 500 per sitting

Mandatory Sitting Frequency Based on Case Pendency:

To enhance the efficiency of case disposal:

• PLAs with up to 100 pending cases must sit at least once a week and list a minimum of five matters per sitting.
• PLAs with more than 100 pending cases must sit at least twice a week, with at least five matters listed per sitting.

The sittings shall be convened by the Chairman as and when necessary.

The amendments update the original Permanent Lok Adalat Rules of 2003, which govern the terms and conditions of appointment and functioning of the Chairman and other members. The revision is aimed at strengthening the alternate dispute resolution mechanism and ensuring greater access to justice through PLAs.

Notification Details

F. No. A-60011/19/2019-LAP(JUS)

Date: 15th May, 2025

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