695 cases settled at National Lok Adalat

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, September 14

As many as 695 cases, out of 3,420, were disposed of during the National Lok Adalat held at the District and Sessions Court, Bathinda, on Saturday.

The court was held on the directions of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to settle pending civil and criminal matters.

District and Sessions Judge Kamaljit Lamba supervised nine benches constituted in the district, two benches at Talwandi Sabo and one bench at Phul. 

Most of the settled cases were pertaining to matrimonial and financial disputes. Awards of Rs 11,18,72,942 were passed to settle financial disputes among different parties. A total of 138 cheque bounce cases were disposed of by two special benches constituted for the purpose.

Under Section 19 of The Legal Services Authorities Act 1987, the Lok Adalats are organised to decide pending cases as well as those yet to be filed in courts. Such benches resulting in saving of time and money. 

In case a compromise is arrived at, an award is passed which is equal to decree of a civil court and the court fee is refunded. No appeal is be filed against this award. The Lok Adalat has all the powers of a civil court which include summoning of witnesses, production of document, etc.

Notably, a permanent Lok Adalat has been established in the ADR Centre, District Courts, Bathinda, which primarily deals with public utility services like transport, telephone, insurance, hospital, supply of power, light and water, Aadhaar card. The dispute up to Rs 1 crore falling in these areas can be taken up at the Permanent Lok Adalat.