New Delhi, Nov 9 (TOI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday emphasized the importance of Lok Adalats in helping the poor get justice.

"Normal people are willing to bear injustice but they stay away from the courts. Lok Adalats have bridged this gap," the PM said, while addressing a conference on the occasion of Legal Services Day in Delhi. He said that there are more than 15 lakh Lok Adalats that have delivered justice to 8.5 crore people in the country.

"I am happy that discussions are being held on how the poor will get justice. I have been able to learn a lot by being here. There is so much concern being shown for the poor, but there is little awareness about it," he said, adding that "with legal awareness, there must also be institutional awareness."

PM Modi said that he believed in development and justice for all. "I believe in 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' and with that there must be 'Sabka Nyay'," the PM said.

In this regard, the Prime Minister asked law universities to contribute to his idea of 'Sabka Nyay'. "Our law universities should give special assignments to the students to do research on Lok Adalats across the country. They should submit reports and give their suggestions. The students should know what the Lok Adalats are," he said.