The concept of Gram Nyayalayas, or village courts, was envisioned as a groundbreaking step towards providing accessible and affordable justice to rural citizens. Designed to ensure that legal recourse is not a privilege confined to urban centres, these courts were meant to expedite the resolution of minor disputes and legal matters, thus reducing the burden on the regular judicial system. However, the grim reality is that the initiative is faltering, as evidenced by the drastic reduction in financial allocation and a host of operational challenges.
The recent Union Budget for 2025-26 has allocated a mere Rs 2 crore for the Gram Nyayalaya scheme-a sharp decline from the Rs 10 crore revised estimate for the previous fiscal year. This significant cut in funding underscores a lack of commitment to strengthening grassroots legal institutions, leaving the fate of these courts in jeopardy. Historically, the idea of Gram Nyayalayas was first proposed by the Law Commission in 1986, but it took over two decades for the Gram Nyayalayas Act, of 2008, to come into effect. Since then, progress has been sluggish. Of the 481 Gram Nyayalayas notified by 15 states, only 309 have been made operational across just 10 states. This lack of implementation is indicative of the challenges plaguing the initiative, from bureaucratic inertia to financial neglect.
One of the most significant hurdles in the successful functioning of these courts is the acute shortage of personnel. Many states have failed to appoint Nyayadhikaris, leading to non-functional courts. Additionally, the unavailability of public prosecutors, notaries, and first-class judicial magistrates has further crippled the system. The reluctance of legal professionals to work in rural settings exacerbates the problem, leaving village courts without the necessary judicial expertise to function effectively.
The financial structure of Gram Nyayalayas is far from sufficient. As per Government guidelines, the Centre provides Rs 18 lakh per court as a one-time grant for non-recurring expenditure while also bearing 50 percent of the recurring costs for the first three years. However, given the scale of judicial infrastructure needed in rural areas, this financial model is woefully inadequate. States, already burdened with fiscal constraints, have shown reluctance to share the financial load, thereby stalling the expansion of Gram Nyayalayas.
Moreover, these courts’ jurisdictional limitations reduce their effectiveness. Many cases that should ideally be resolved at the village level end up being redirected to higher courts due to overlapping authority and limited pecuniary jurisdiction. This not only defeats the purpose of expediting justice at the grassroots level but also deters rural citizens from approaching these courts in the first place. The reluctance of State Governments and judicial authorities to fully embrace the Gram Nyayalaya system has further contributed to its stagnation. Additionally, political considerations and a lack of accountability have ensured that Gram Nyayalayas do not receive the attention they deserve.
The Supreme Court, in its recent observations, has rightly pointed out that a uniform approach cannot be imposed across states for the establishment of Gram Nyayalayas. While legal needs vary from region to region, the fundamental principle of accessible justice remains constant. Therefore, a re-evaluation of the Gram Nyayalaya framework is necessary, with tailored solutions that cater to the specific challenges faced by different states. Moreover, financial support needs to be substantially increased. A revised financial model, with long-term support from both the Centre and states, could help bridge the existing gaps in infrastructure and personnel.
Practically, there is a need for legislative amendments to expand the jurisdiction of Gram Nyayalayas, ensuring they can handle a wider range of cases without unnecessary interference from higher courts. Merely having a law in place is not enough; its effective implementation is what will truly bring justice to the doorsteps of those who need it the most. The Government, judiciary, and civil society must work together to revive and strengthen this vital institution, lest it become yet another unfulfilled promise of judicial reform.
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