Over 10,000 cases settled at national Lok Adalat in SBS Nagar, Rs 6.61 crore compensation awarded

The National Lok Adalat held on Saturday at the District Court Complex in SBS Nagar and the Sub-Divisional Court in Balachaur saw the resolution of 10,100 cases, with a total of Rs 6,61,05,720 awarded across eight benches.

The event, organised under the direction of the National Legal Services Authority and the Punjab State Legal Services Authority, SAS Nagar, aimed to provide speedy settlement of disputes.

The initiative was led by Priya Sood, District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), SBS Nagar, with oversight from Dr Amandeep, Chief Judicial Magistrate and Secretary, DLSA. A total of 11,912 cases were considered, with 10,100 successfully resolved by mutual consent of the parties involved.

To facilitate the proceedings, seven benches were set up at the District Court Complex in SBS Nagar and one bench at the Sub-Divisional Court, Balachaur. The benches were presided over by various judicial officers, including Ashok Kapoor, Chairman of the Permanent Lok Adalat (Public Utility Services); Gagandeep Kaur, Additional District and Sessions Judge-II; Baljinder Singh Mann, Principal Judge of the Family Court; Parvinder Kaur, Civil Judge (Senior Division); Mahesh Kumar, Chief Judicial Magistrate; Tushar Kaur Thind and Simran Chalana, Civil Judges (Junior Division); and Lovjinder Kaur, Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate, Balachaur.

In addition to judicial officers, advocates, NGO representatives and nominated members of the DLSA played an active role in ensuring the smooth settlement process. Speaking at the event, District and Sessions Judge Priya Sood highlighted the importance of Lok Adalats in ensuring the speedy and amicable resolution of disputes through compromise.

She noted that such initiatives not only save time and money for litigants but also reduce hostility between parties, fostering social harmony. She also urged the public to make the most of Lok Adalats, which are regularly organised for the benefit of the citizens.