Lok Adalat settles over 50,000 cases in Jalandhar, awards Rs 103 crore in compensation

A Lok Adalat was held at the Judicial Court Complexes in Jalandhar, Phillaur and Nakodar, where 50,464 cases were resolved through mutual compromise, leading to the awarding of Rs 103 crore in compensation to aggrieved parties.

The cases taken up in the Lok Adalat covered a wide range of legal disputes, including civil and matrimonial matters, accident compensation claims, compoundable criminal cases, traffic challans and pre-litigative disputes involving Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), banks, BSNL and revenue matters.

Nirbhow Singh Gill, District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Jalandhar, oversaw the proceedings. He stated that a total of 51,726 cases were taken up across 23 benches, with settlements being reached in 50,464 of them. He emphasised that Lok Adalats offer a unique opportunity for parties to resolve their disputes quickly, as decisions made in these forums are final and cannot be challenged in higher courts. “The verdicts in Lok Adalat are based on mutual agreements, fostering a sense of harmony and brotherhood. Additionally, applicants in civil cases receive a refund of the court fees they had paid,” he added.

Rahul Kumar, Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM)-cum-Secretary of DLSA, Jalandhar, along with the Chairperson, inspected the benches set up in Jalandhar to ensure the smooth conduct of proceedings. He highlighted that Lok Adalats are held regularly, providing an effective means for people to secure timely justice without prolonged litigation.

He further encouraged citizens to utilise these services for the resolution of legal disputes, informing them that for any assistance or inquiries, they could reach out to the DLSA via the toll-free number 15100. He also announced that the next Lok Adalat is scheduled for May 10, urging people to take advantage of this opportunity for swift and amicable settlements.