Permanent Lok Adalat: Faster, economical way of justice delivery

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, July 27

The Permanent Lok Adalat (PLA) set up under the Alternative Disputes Resolution System is proving a boon for the people seeking justice without any delay and at low cost. In a recent award announced by the adalat, the power corporation was instructed to withdraw a fine of Rs 68,000 imposed on a local farmer. The adalat also directed the corporation to transfer the connection owned by Puran Singh, a farmer, to his grandson Salinder Singh.

Chairman, Permanent Lok Adalat, BS Mangat, said, “At the PLA, we try to settle the disputes amicably. Any person can file a complaint on plain paper without hiring a legal counsel.” Mangat recalled a case settled last year where in a student aspiring to join banking service, Veenus Arora, was denied entry into the examination hall as she was late by five minutes.

The exam was scheduled for 2:30 pm, but candidates were asked to report by 2 pm. However, as her scooter got punctured, Veenus was late by five minutes. Mangat said, “In this case we summoned officials of the bank, which conducted the exam. We implored them to be reasonable and not punish a student for being late for five minutes.” Later, the bank decided to give the student another chance, he added.

Former Additional Sessions Judge Mangat said, “People are still not aware of the benefits of the Permanent Lok Adalat at the Alternative Disputes Redressal centre. We have been working to create this awareness so that the people can save their time and money.”

The Permanent Lok Adalat at the Alternative Disputes Resolution Centre is being managed by Mangat along with two other members Lajpat Rai Thukral and SS Sandhu. Thukral said, “Many agencies such as banks come to adalat for complaints against customers because they are aware that it is a economical and easy justice delivery system.”

He said advocates fraternity could play a greater role in motivating the people to get justice through the Permanent Lok Adalat. He said over a 1,000 cases had been resolved by the PLA this year. “We have only 250 cases pending, but considering the fact that hearing is held frequently these will be disposed off soon,” he added.