AI SummaryNari Adalat acts as an alternative grievance redressal mechanism for women at the Gram Panchayat level. This scheme serves women facing issues like harassment or denial of rights by using mediation and reconciliation to provide speedy, accessible, and affordable justice at the local household level.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development launched Nari Adalat on August 10, 2025, as a component of the Sambal sub-scheme under Mission Shakti. The pilot started in 2023 across 50 Gram Panchayats each in Assam and Jammu & Kashmir, with both states receiving over ₹20 lakh for 2023-24. As of early 2026, the programme runs in 52 Gram Panchayats in Assam and has expanded to Sikkim, with plans to reach around 16 states including Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Tripura.
Nari Adalat - Introduction
Nari Adalat functions as a crucial part of the Sambal sub-scheme under Mission Shakti, offering women an alternative space to resolve petty grievances such as harassment or the curtailment of daily rights. By encouraging negotiation and reconciliation with mutual consent, this scheme makes sure you receive accessible and affordable justice right in your village.
This platform also helps you stay aware of your legal entitlements and provides a support system through women-centric organisations. The scheme operates through women collectives called Nyaya Sakhis, consisting of 7 to 11 respected local women. Half the members are elected from the Gram Panchayat, while the other half are nominated villagers such as teachers, doctors, lawyers, or social workers. They receive logistics support through the Gram Panchayats, working closely with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the Ministry of Rural Development, and Common Service Centres under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
During the first year, the focus remains on building awareness about your legal and constitutional rights. In the second year, dedicated women undergo training in legal protocols to form the formal collective of Nyaya Sakhis, who then facilitate dispute resolution for the community. The Gram Panchayat nominates these Nyaya Sakhis, who then select a leader called the Mukhya Nyaya Sakhi (MNS). The MNS oversees operations within the jurisdiction for a tenure of six months, ensuring the process remains organised and effective for women like you.
The Mission Shakti Portal, launched in January 2025, now tracks the scheme's progress alongside 2,428 Protection Officers under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act. As of March 2026, Mission Shakti operates 926 One Stop Centres and 416 Shakti Sadans across 35 states and union territories, with the Women Helpline 181 assisting over 99 lakh women.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Nari Adalat |
| Launched By | Ministry of Women and Child Development |
| Launch Date | August 10, 2025 |
| Parent Scheme | Mission Shakti (Sambal Sub-Scheme) |
| Level | Central |
| Beneficiaries | Women and adolescent girls in operational Gram Panchayats |
| Benefit Type | In Kind (free dispute resolution, counselling, awareness) |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Current States | Assam (52 GPs), Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim |
| Planned Expansion | ~16 states including Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tripura |
| Official Website | missionshakti.wcd.gov.in |
Benefits
Accessible and affordable justice: You can resolve disputes locally without complex legal fees. The committee helps mediate family or community disagreements through reconciliation, focusing on restoring harmony through mutual consent. Awareness generation is another key benefit - you receive guidance on your legal rights and government entitlements. The scheme also provides handholding support throughout the resolution process and links you with police, healthcare, and legal services when needed.
Financial Support for Members
The scheme provides financial incentives to ensure smooth functioning and motivate Nyaya Sakhi members. Meeting support of ₹3,000 per meeting covers logistics. The Mukhya Nyaya Sakhi receives an honorarium of ₹500 per meeting, while each Nyaya Sakhi member gets ₹200 per meeting. A uniform allowance of ₹800 per member is provided twice a year.
Eligibility
Any woman or adolescent girl residing in the operational Gram Panchayat area is eligible to seek assistance through this scheme. For women who wish to serve as Nyaya Sakhis, the requirements include being a resident of the Gram Panchayat, socially respected and engaged in community activities, with preferred backgrounds such as elected representatives, self-help group members, teachers, doctors, lawyers, or social workers.
Documents Required
Identity proof for verification of the applicant, address proof for proof of residence, supporting evidence specific to the case, and any additional documents as directed by the authorities.
Application Process
STEP 1 - The aggrieved woman visits the local Nari Adalat office in her village and submits her complaint to the Mukhya Nyaya Sakhi or appointed Nyaya Sakhis. STEP 2 - The complaint is formally recorded and necessary information is documented. STEP 3 - A case hearing date is fixed and communicated to all involved parties. STEP 4 - Notices are sent to the parties involved asking them to attend the hearing. STEP 5 - The case is resolved through negotiations, counselling, and evidence-based discussions. STEP 6 - Nari Adalat follows up on the case for at least one month to make sure the problem does not happen again.
Currently, the pilot project is active in 52 Gram Panchayats across 11 districts in Assam (Nalbari, Darrang, Morigaon, Dhubri, Udalguri, South Salmara, Goalpara, Kamrup, Barpeta, Tamulpur, and Baksa) and 2 districts in Jammu & Kashmir (Kupwara and Baramulla). Sikkim launched its Nari Adalat in August 2025. You may visit your local Gram Panchayat office to check if a Nari Adalat is active in your specific area.
Key Rules and Recommendations
Give the right information - all details presented when registering the complaint should be accurate and verifiable. Collaborate during mediation - both parties are expected to engage in dialogue to resolve the situation. Understand the informality of the platform - Nari Adalat focuses on friendly solutions, not legal judgments. Follow up on decisions - beneficiaries need to stay active during follow-up to ensure compliance.
Difficulties and Constraints
Poor awareness among rural population means many women might not know such a platform exists. The system depends heavily on community involvement and active participation of members. Some difficult cases may need court action beyond mediation. Limited financial and human resources can affect the scale of activities.
Impact on Society
The scheme strengthens women at the grassroots level, helping them become confident leaders in their communities. It reduces court workload as many issues get addressed locally, putting less strain on formal courts. The initiative promotes gender equality by encouraging dignity of women and respect for their rights. Community problem-solving builds trust and collaboration between residents, enhancing community ties.
References
Mission Shakti Official Portal - missionshakti.wcd.gov.in
Ministry of Women and Child Development - PIB Release PRID 2245904
Nari Adalat Standard Operating Procedure - Ministry of WCD
FAQ's
Can family disputes related to domestic violence be solved through Nari Adalat?
Yes, Nari Adalat mainly helps women resolve family disputes, domestic violence complaints, and social conflicts through mediation and counselling.
Do women need to hire a lawyer to approach Nari Adalat?
No, women generally do not need a lawyer because Nari Adalat works as a community-based support system for simpler dispute resolution.
Can Nari Adalat decisions be challenged in court later?
Yes, if someone is not satisfied with the outcome, they can still approach the regular legal system or court for further action.
Are Nari Adalats available in every district of India?
The scheme is being introduced in phases, so availability depends on whether the state or district has implemented the programme. As of 2026, it operates in Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, and Sikkim, with expansion planned for around 16 more states.
Can women from poor backgrounds get free help through Nari Adalat?
Yes, the main purpose of Nari Adalat is to provide accessible and low-cost support to women, especially from weaker sections.
What is the tenure of Mukhya Nyaya Sakhi?
The Mukhya Nyaya Sakhi serves for a tenure of six months, after which a new leader is selected by the Nyaya Sakhis.
How many members are there in a Nyaya Sakhi committee?
The Nyaya Sakhi committee consists of 7 to 11 members, with half elected from the Gram Panchayat and half nominated from respected villagers.
Is there any fee to file a complaint at Nari Adalat?
No, the service is completely free for women seeking help at Nari Adalat.