In a significant legislative move, the Village Court (Amendment) Act, 2024, received unanimous approval in parliament on Tuesday, marking a pivotal shift in empowering village courts with increased fine authority. The amendment elevates the fine ceiling from Tk75,000 to Tk3,00,000, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing local dispute resolution mechanisms.
Presenting the bill in the House, Minister for Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives M Tajul Islam emphasized the necessity of empowering village courts to effectively address minor disputes in rural areas. The amendment, slated to be incorporated into the Village Court Act, 2006, aims to bolster the efficiency and accessibility of village courts across the country.
Under the amended provisions, a village court comprising five members, including the union parishad chairman, gains enhanced flexibility to function even in the absence of a member. In cases of absenteeism, the absent member is granted a grace period of seven days to attend meetings, with the chairman empowered to cast an additional deciding vote if necessary.
The Village Courts Ordinance 1976, enacted to expedite the resolution of minor disputes among local communities, laid the foundation for the subsequent enactment of the Village Courts Act, 2006. Amendments in 2013 further fortified the authority of village courts, paving the way for the recent legislative revisions.
This legislative initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, thereby alleviating the burden on formal judicial institutions and facilitating swift access to justice for marginalized segments of society.
Village courts, operating as semi-formal dispute resolution forums, embody the principles of alternative dispute resolution, offering a swift and cost-effective avenue for resolving minor disputes at the grassroots level. Particularly beneficial for women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, village courts play a pivotal role in fostering community cohesion and facilitating equitable access to justice.
While celebrating the successes of the Village Courts Act, 2006, policymakers acknowledge the need to address inherent limitations at the grassroots level to further bolster access to justice and strengthen community resilience.
