The correct answer is Proceedings are informal, flexible, and less technical. Explanation & Key Takeaways: • In a Lok Adalat, legal representation is not a strict necessity as the forum encourages parties to interact directly with the presiding officers to reach a compromise. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect. • The Lok Adalat is not bound by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 or the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, which allows it to bypass formal courtroom rigmarole and technical evidence rules. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect. • The essence of a People’s Court lies in its informal, flexible, and less technical nature, which ensures that disputes are settled through a friendly dialogue and conciliation rather than adversarial litigation. Hence, statement 3 is correct. • While Supreme Court judges can preside, sessions are usually led by sitting or retired judicial officers of various ranks, including District Judges and High Court judges, assisted by social workers and advocates. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect. Related Concepts: • Statutory Framework: • Lok Adalats have been given statutory status under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. • The award passed by a Lok Adalat is deemed to be a decree of a Civil Court. • Finality of Decision: • The decision made by the Lok Adalat is final and binding on all parties involved. • There is no provision for an appeal against the award in any higher court, as the settlement is based on mutual consent. • Jurisdiction and Cost: • They handle both cases pending in courts and those at the pre-litigation stage, such as marital disputes, land acquisition, and compoundable criminal offenses. • There is no court fee involved; if a case is already in court and then settled in Lok Adalat, the original court fee paid is refunded to the parties.