Which of the following statements regarding Lok Adalats under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, is correct?

Explanation: Under Section 22(1) of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, a Lok Adalat is vested with the same powers as a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, for purposes such as summoning and enforcing the attendance of witnesses, the discovery and production of documents, the reception of evidence on affidavits, and requisitioning of any public record. Option (a) is incorrect because Section 21(2) expressly declares every award of a Lok Adalat to be final and binding, with no appeal lying against it. Option (c) fails because a Lok Adalat functions on the basis of compromise and settlement, requiring consent of both parties. Option (d) is wrong as the award is deemed a decree of a Civil Court and needs no countersignature. Option (e) is incorrect since permanent Lok Adalats under Section 22B are specifically established to deal with public utility services.