National Lok Adalat: Estranged couple reunites after 18 years; over 5.53L cases settled

A matrimonial dispute that had kept a husband and wife apart for over 18 years ended in reconciliation at the National Lok Adalat, even as the mega exercise across Haryana led to the disposal of over 5.53 lakh cases, involving a settlement amount of over Rs 1,596 crore.

Married in 2001, the couple had been living separately since 2008 following discord. During mediation proceedings at the National Lok Adalat, the parties engaged in constructive dialogue and agreed to amicably resolve their disputes and resume marital life.

The reconciliation marked one of the significant outcomes of the fourth National Lok Adalat of the year, organised by the Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HALSA) under the guidance of Justice Lisa Gill of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and HALSA Executive Chairperson. The Lok Adalat was held across 22 districts and 35 subdivisions through the District Legal Services Authorities.

Ahead of the Lok Adalat, a comprehensive review meeting was held on December 10 with District and Sessions Judges-cum-Chairpersons, District Legal Services Authorities; Chief Judicial Magistrates-cum-Secretaries, District Legal Services Authorities; and Presiding Officers of the Lok Adalat Benches.

Justice Gill stressed the need for coordinated efforts for effective disposal of cases, with emphasis on mediation.

Jagdeep Singh, District and Sessions Judge-cum-Member Secretary, HALSA, monitored the proceedings across Haryana through video conferencing today. He also inspected Lok Adalat Benches at the District Courts, Panchkula, interacted with litigants and reviewed the functioning of the Benches.

More than 180 Lok Adalat Benches were constituted across the state to take up both pre-litigation and pending matters. These included civil disputes, matrimonial cases, motor accident claims, bank recovery cases, cheque-bounce matters, traffic challans, compoundable criminal offences and cases before Permanent Lok Adalats relating to public utility services.