Request for Proposal

Research Study on the Implementation of the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008

Submission Date: 20 June 2026

Background

PAIRVI Associates invites proposals from qualified researchers, research institutions, and independent experts to undertake an evidence-based research study on the implementation of the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008. Gram Nyayalayas are village-level courts established to provide affordable, accessible, and speedy justice to rural populations at their doorsteps. The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008, enacted by Parliament, provides for the establishment of Gram Nyayalayas at the intermediate Panchayat level by State Governments in consultation with the respective High Courts. Gram Nyayalayas are also empowered to function as mobile courts within their jurisdiction. The institution of Gram Nyayalayas plays a significant role in enhancing access to justice, reducing litigation costs, facilitating speedy disposal of cases, promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and increasing legal awareness among rural communities. However, despite the promise of the Act, the establishment and functioning of Gram Nyayalayas remain uneven across states. While several Gram Nyayalayas have been notified across the country, only a limited number are operational and effectively functioning.

PAIRVI seeks to commission a research study to examine the current status, effectiveness, challenges, and opportunities related to the implementation of the Gram Nyayalayas Act and to generate evidence-based recommendations for strengthening the institution and expanding access to justice in rural India.

Objectives of the Study

The study should:

  1. Assess the current status and functioning of operational Gram Nyayalayas.
  2. Examine institutional, administrative, legal, financial, and infrastructural challenges affecting implementation.
  3. Analyze the accessibility, effectiveness, and impact of Gram Nyayalayas in delivering justice to rural populations.
  4. Document good practices, innovations, and lessons learned from operational Gram Nyayalayas.
  5. Identify barriers to establishing and operationalizing Gram Nyayalayas in different states.
  6. Develop evidence-based recommendations for strengthening implementation of the Act.
  7. Provide advocacy recommendations for expanding and improving Gram Nyayalayas, particularly in underserved regions
Scope of Work

The selected consultant/research team will be expected to undertake the following activities:

  1. Literature Review and Secondary Research
    • Review relevant laws, rules, policies, judicial decisions, government reports, parliamentary committee reports, academic literature, and available data.
    • Analyze existing information on notified and operational Gram Nyayalayas across India.
    • Examine trends, challenges, and policy developments relating to rural justice delivery mechanisms.
  1. Expert Consultations
    • Conduct online consultations and interviews with legal experts, judicial officers, academics, government officials, practitioners, representatives of Legal Services Institutions, and civil society organizations working on access to justice.
  1. 3. Field Research
    • Undertake primary research through field visits.
    • Visit and study at least six (6) operational Gram Nyayalayas across two to three states.
    • Conduct interviews and discussions with judicial officers, lawyers, litigants, Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, court staff, and community members.
    • Document operational realities, challenges, innovations, and successful practices.
    • Collect geo-tagged photographs and audio-visual documentation, wherever feasible and permitted.
  1. Analysis and Documentation
    • Analyze findings from primary and secondary research.
    • Prepare a comprehensive evidence-based research report with findings, case studies, conclusions, and recommendations.
    • Develop actionable policy and advocacy recommendations for strengthening Gram Nyayalayas.
  1. Support to Organize a National Consultation

The selected consultant/research team shall support PAIRVI in organizing a National Consultation based on the findings of the research study. This will include:

    • Preparation of a policy brief and presentation of key findings.
    • Identification of key stakeholders and resource persons.
    • Support in developing the consultation agenda and thematic discussion points.
    • Presentation of research findings during the consultation.
    • Documentation of key recommendations emerging from the consultation.
Expected Deliverables
  1. Inception Report outlining methodology, research tools, work plan, and timeline.
  2. Stakeholder consultation plan and data collection framework.
  3. Brief progress update after completion of fieldwork.
  4. Draft Research Report for review and feedback.
  5. Final Research Report incorporating comments and suggestions.
  6. Executive Summary highlighting key findings and recommendations.
  7. Policy Brief for dissemination and advocacy.
  8. Presentation for the National Consultation.
  9. Proceedings Note of the National Consultation.
  10. Geo-tagged photographs, field documentation, and audio-visual material collected during field visits and consultation events.
Proposal Guideline

Applicants are requested to submit both Technical and Financial Proposals. The assignment will require travel to multiple states, field visits to Gram Nyayalayas, online and offline stakeholder consultations, documentation, participation in a National Consultation, and preparation of research outputs. All costs should be appropriately reflected in the financial proposal.

The proposal should clearly describe:

  • Research design and methodology.
  • Sampling strategy for selection of Gram Nyayalayas.
  • Data collection tools and processes.
  • Stakeholder consultation plan.
  • Analytical framework.
  • Quality assurance mechanisms.
  • Ethical considerations in data collection and documentation.

Interested applicants should submit:

  1. Technical Proposal (understanding of the assignment, methodology, work plan, and team composition).
  2. Financial Proposal.
  3. CV(s) of key researcher(s) and team members.
  4. Samples of previous relevant research work and publications (if available).

Eligibility, Budget and Timeframe

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should demonstrate:

  • Proven experience in legal, judicial, governance, or access-to-justice research.
  • Experience in conducting field-based qualitative and policy research.
  • Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
  • Familiarity with justice delivery systems and legal institutions in India.
  • Experience in stakeholder consultations and policy engagement will be an added advantage.
Budget

PAIRVI will award a maximum honorarium of Rs. One Lakh (Rs. 100,000.00) to the selected candidate for the successful completion of tasks and conditions outlined in the contract.

Project Duration

The assignment is expected to be completed within a mutually agreed timeframe from the date of award of the contract.

Submission Date & Selection Process

Proposals should be submitted electronically to: pairvidelhi1@gmail.com by 20 June 2026.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further discussions and presentations. PAIRVI Associates reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal without assigning any reason and to cancel the selection process at any stage.