With reference to Lok Adalats, which one among the following statements is correct?

Lok Adalats are statutory bodies established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 [2]. They possess jurisdiction over both cases pending before a court and matters at the pre-litigative stage [6]. Their scope includes civil disputes and compoundable criminal offenses, though they cannot handle non-compoundable criminal matters [1]. A defining feature of the Lok Adalat is the finality of its award. Under Section 21 of the Act, every award made by a Lok Adalat is deemed a decree of a civil court and is final and binding on all parties [2]. Crucially, no appeal lies to any court against such an award [3]. This lack of appellate remedy in civil courts is intended to ensure speedy justice and prevent further litigation, although parties may still approach High Courts under writ jurisdiction in exceptional circumstances like fraud [4].

Sources

1. [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > 376 f1' Indion Poli!)' > p. 376
2. [5] https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3ec030b6ace9e8971cf36f1782aa982a7/uploads/2025/06/2025062191.pdf
3. [6] https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/1925/1/198739.pdf
4. [1] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > 376 f1' Indion Poli!)' > p. 376
5. [3] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > Benefits > p. 377
6. [4] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 38: Lok Adalats and Other Courts > LOK ADALATS > p. 375