Lok Adalat settles 6, 977 cases

Tribune News Service

Patiala, December 9

National Lok Adalat, pertaining to all types of cases (except non compoundable criminal cases), was held here today. 

The Adalat was organised under the supervision of Punjab Legal Services Authority Executive Chairman Justice TPS Maan and District Legal Services Authority Chairman Sanjiv Berry. 

For this purpose, 22 judicial Benches were constituted in Patiala district. During the National Lok Adalat, cases under different categories were taken up for settlement through mutual compromise. In all, 12,803 cases were taken up and 6,977 cases were settled involving an amount of Rs 37.23 crore through mutual compromise between parties. 

Sanjiv Berry, District & Sessions Judge, visited each Lok Adalat bench of Patiala court and inspired the parties to resolve their disputes peacefully. Berry said the primary objective of the Lok Adalats is to settle the disputes through compromise, so as to save time and money of the parties. Except non-compoundable criminal cases, all kinds of cases, even those at pre-litigation stage, can be brought to the Lok Adalats.

Berry said: “When a case is settled in Lok Adalat, its decision is final and no appeal can be made against it. Moreover, court fees (if any paid) is refunded to parties.”

Meanwhile, Ashish Kumar Bansal, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Patiala, said: “National Lok Adalat pertains to all type of cases, except criminal non-compoundable cases. However, Monthly Lok Adalats are also organised on last working Saturday of every month.”