Lok Adalat is an alternative dispute redressal mechanism in India where pending and pre litigation cases are settled amicably. What is the minimum court fee charged for filing a case in a Lok Adalat?

Introduction / Context:
Lok Adalat is an important part of India's system of alternative dispute resolution. It provides an accessible forum where disputes can be resolved through compromise and settlement, often much faster than in regular courts. One of the key features that makes Lok Adalat attractive to ordinary citizens is the cost of accessing it. This question checks whether candidates know the basic rule about the minimum court fee payable when filing a case before a Lok Adalat.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question is about the minimum court fee for filing a case in Lok Adalat.
- Options include “no court fee”, Rs 10, Rs 50 and Rs 5.
- Lok Adalat is designed to be people friendly and inexpensive.
- Standard legal general knowledge based on provisions of the Legal Services Authorities Act is assumed.

Concept / Approach:
One of the main objectives of Lok Adalat is to provide easy and affordable access to justice, especially for weaker sections of society. To achieve this, cases brought directly before Lok Adalat do not require payment of any court fee. Furthermore, if a case that was earlier filed in a regular court is referred to Lok Adalat, the court fee already paid is usually refunded upon settlement. This zero fee approach encourages parties to attempt compromise solutions without worrying about additional financial burdens. Therefore, the correct answer is that no court fee is charged for filing a case in Lok Adalat.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the objectives of Lok Adalat as an inexpensive and speedy forum for dispute resolution.
Step 2: Remember that the Legal Services Authorities framework emphasises cost free access for eligible persons.
Step 3: Note that exam oriented legal awareness points often state that there is no court fee for cases in Lok Adalat.
Step 4: Compare the options that specify nominal fees (Rs 5, Rs 10, Rs 50) and see that they contradict the core principle of zero court fee.
Step 5: Choose “No court fee” as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Legal awareness booklets and government publications on Lok Adalat clearly state that there is no court fee for matters placed before a Lok Adalat. If a matter has already been filed in a regular court and is then transferred to Lok Adalat, the fee that was paid earlier is refunded after the settlement. This consistent statement appears in many exam preparation materials under the heading “Salient features of Lok Adalat.” Remembering this description makes it easy to verify that the correct answer is “No court fee.”

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Rs 10: Even a small fee would conflict with the principle of full exemption of court fee in Lok Adalat cases.
- Rs 50: This amount is clearly too high and does not match the legal provision that cases are taken up without court fee.
- Rs 5: Also incorrect because any charge contradicts the widely publicised feature that no court fee is required.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates assume that there must be at least a token fee and are tempted to select Rs 5 or Rs 10. Others may not differentiate between regular court procedures and the special rules that apply to Lok Adalat. To avoid such mistakes, learners should clearly note the key features of Lok Adalat: no court fee, flexible procedures, voluntary settlement and binding awards. Linking “Lok Adalat equals no fee and speedy settlement” is an effective way to remember this fact for general knowledge examinations.

Final Answer:
The minimum court fee for filing a case in a Lok Adalat is no court fee.