Lok Adalat which literally translates to people's court is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism. These are statutory bodies set up under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 and have a retired judicial officer as its head and a lawyer or a social worker as a member. These Adalats are set up for speedy and affordable resolution of disputes such as matrimonial issues, wage dispute, labour law matters and land disputes. These have the powers of a Civil Court but cannot take up non-compoundable offences. Awards passed by Lok Adalats are treated as decrees of courts, are binding on parties and are executable as such.