The Odisha government is set to introduce a pioneering initiative aimed at strengthening justice delivery for women at the grassroots level. The state will soon launch 'Nari Adalats' or women's courts, with a pilot project commencing at the Govindapalli gram panchayat in Malkangiri district. This scheme is designed to offer women an accessible alternative mechanism to address grievances related to harassment, violence, and denial of their rights and entitlements directly within their local panchayats.
Structure and Selection of the Women's Courts
Operating under the Sambal vertical of the state's flagship Mission Shakti program, the Nari Adalats will be structured around women collectives at the panchayat level. Each collective will consist of seven to nine members, who will be designated as 'Nyaya Sakhis' (legal friends). From this group, one member will be chosen as the 'Mukhya Nyaya Sakhi' to lead the court's activities.
The selection of these members will be conducted through gram sabhas, ensuring community involvement. The overall supervision and functioning of these courts will fall under the purview of the district magistrate. The Women and Child Development Department has already directed the Malkangiri district administration to begin the process of selecting members for the inaugural court.
Functions and Phased Roll-Out Plan
The primary mandate of the Nari Adalats is twofold. First, they will focus on raising awareness about the legal and constitutional rights of women, including entitlements under various government schemes. For the initial year, the Nyaya Sakhis will dedicate significant effort to this educational role.
Second, the courts will actively take on the responsibility of resolving cases involving women within their jurisdiction. They will guide women through processes like case filing, court procedures, and accessing medical or psychological support. The courts will also hear the opposite parties and examine evidence, aiming to resolve disputes through counselling, negotiation, mediation, or evidence-based approaches to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
Following the pilot in Malkangiri, the initiative will be expanded to nine other districts in subsequent months. The identified districts for the launch are: Balangir, Dhenkanal, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, and Rayagada. The courts will be established in specific panchayats that are led by elected women representatives, ensuring a supportive environment for their operation.
A Step Towards Community-Centric Justice
The introduction of Nari Adalats represents a significant shift towards decentralised and community-based justice for women in Odisha. By situating the grievance redressal mechanism at the panchayat level, the government aims to overcome barriers of access, awareness, and formalities that often prevent women from seeking justice. This initiative is expected to empower women locally, providing them with a supportive forum to voice their concerns and seek resolutions within their own communities, thereby strengthening the social fabric and the implementation of women-centric welfare programs.
