3-decade-old accident claim, matrimonial dispute among 3 lakh cases settled at Haryana Lok Adalat

A three-decade-old motor accident compensation case and a broken marriage restored to life were among the disputes resolved on Saturday as more than 3 lakh cases were settled across Haryana during the 3rd National Lok Adalat.

In a poignant case from Faridabad, Hodal couple finally secured justice in the tragic death of their son, a college student, in a road accident on February 9, 1997. Though they had filed a claim under the Motor Vehicles Act, they were awarded only Rs 1 lakh with 12 per cent interest against their demand of Rs 5 lakh. Dissatisfied, they approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which in May remanded the case for fresh adjudication. During the Lok Adalat today, the petitioners were finally awarded Rs 10 lakh in a full and final settlement, bringing closure to their decades-long struggle.

In another instance at Nuh, a matrimonial dispute reached an unexpected reconciliation. The couple, married on November 22, 2015, had separated in November 2020 following differences. The husband obtained an ex-parte divorce decree on January 25, 2024, but the wife later moved the court to have the judgment set aside. The matter was referred to the Lok Adalat, where, after sensitive counselling and dialogue, the husband agreed to withdraw his divorce petition. The couple decided to resume marital life with a renewed commitment to harmony, respect, and companionship.

The day-long exercise was organised by the Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HALSA) under the guidance of Justice Lisa Gill, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court, and Executive Chairperson of HALSA. Justice Gill personally monitored the proceedings across the state via video conferencing, interacting with benches in all districts and sub-divisions and reviewing the progress of settlements.

According to figures released by HALSA, a total of 181 Benches were constituted in 22 districts and 35 sub-divisions to take up over 5 lakh cases, out of which more than 3 lakh were disposed of. These included both pre-litigation and pending matters covering civil disputes, matrimonial cases, motor accident claims, bank recovery suits, cheque bounce matters, traffic challans, compoundable criminal offences, and disputes before Permanent Lok Adalats (Public Utility Services).

Officials said that National Lok Adalats provide litigants with a cost-effective and speedy forum for amicable settlements, with the additional benefit of refund of court fees where cases are compromised. Since awards passed by Lok Adalats are final and binding, parties are spared the ordeal of prolonged litigation.