Explain the Family Court Act, 1984.

The Family Courts Act, 1984 (परिवार न्यायालय अधिनियम, 1984):

Enacted to provide for the establishment of specialized Family Courts with a view to promote conciliation in, and secure speedy settlement of, matrimonial and family disputes:

• 1. Mandatory Establishment: Mandatory establishment of Family Courts in every city/town with a population exceeding 10 Lakhs (1 Million); state governments can establish in other areas.
• 2. Exclusive Jurisdiction: Handles matrimonial reliefs (divorce, nullity, restitution of conjugal rights), child custody/guardianship, maintenance, and property disputes between spouses.
• 3. Conciliation over Adversarial Litigation: Mandates the court to endeavor settlement through conciliation first, utilizing trained Counselors, Social Welfare Organizations, and psychologists.
• 4. Simplified & Informal Procedure: Informal, flexible courtroom procedures; legal practitioners cannot represent parties as a matter of right (only with court permission).
• 5. Appeal: Appeals lie directly before a Division Bench of the High Court on facts and law.