Project JANA docu-series | What kind of disputes do non-judicial bodies have to deal with?

The video above is a part of the documentary series JANA that examines dispute resolution by non-judicial bodies in India. The film attempts to understand the nature of disputes that non-judicial bodies have to deal with. It features interviews with members of various non-judicial organisations, such as khap panchayats, religious authorities, political parties, village panchayats, and representatives of the formal justice system. The members of these non-judicial bodies claim to deal with several issues, including property disputes (inheritance, agricultural land use, tenancy, and construction), strained relationships — especially between newly married couples — family disputes, and financial issues. They are also approached to resolve issues with which people hesitate to go to the court, such as trivial fights, quarrels, minor consumer complaints and marital issues. According to Santosh Dahiya, president of Sarav Khap Sarav Jaat Mahapanchayat’s women wing, there are instances where, due to delays in legal procedures and the cases being dragged on for years, grave matters such as murders have also been resolved in khap panchayats. This documentary series is based on a household survey conducted in 2017 by  DAKSH, a Bengaluru-based civil society organisation working to promote accountability and better governance in India. Watch the first part of the docu-series JANA.