As per the directions of National Legal Services Authority, New Delhi and \u00a0Punjab State Legal Services Authority, Mohali and under the able guidance of Ms Rupinderjit Chahal, Learned District & Sessions Judge- cum -Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Patiala, National Lok Adalat pertaining to Cheque Bounce Cases, Money Recovery cases, Labour and Employment disputes cases, Electricity, Water bills and other bill payment cases (excluding non-compoundable), Maintenance Cases, Other Criminal compoundable Cases and other Civil disputes and cases Pending\u00a0 in the Courts\/ Tribunals like Criminal Compoundable Offences, Cheque Bounce Cases, Money Recovery Cases, MACT Cases, Labour and Employment dispute cases, electricity, Water Bills and other bill payment cases (excluding non-compoundable), Matrimonial disputes(except divorce), Land Acquisition cases (Pending before civil courts\/tribunals), Service matters relating to pay and allowances and retirement \u00a0benefits, Revenue cases \u00a0etc will be held in District Patiala on 14.9.2024. For this purpose, benches of Judicial Courts will be constituted at Patiala, Rajpura, Samana and Nabha.<\/p>\n
Ms. Manni Arora, CJM\/Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Patiala has emphasized that the primary objective of Lok Adalats is to settle disputes amicably through compromise. This approach aims to save time and money for the involved parties and to reduce personal enmity between them. It is important to note that all kinds of cases, including those at the pre-litigative stage, can be brought before Lok Adalats for amicable settlement, except for non-compoundable criminal cases.<\/p>\n
Ms. Arora further explained that when a case is settled in a Lok Adalat, the award becomes final and no appeal lies against it. Additionally, any court fees paid by the parties are refunded and the parties to the dispute receive a speedy resolution of their dispute based on mutually agreed terms. This creates a win-win situation for both parties involved.<\/p>\n
Lok Adalats play a crucial role in providing an efficient, cost-effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism that promotes harmony among the parties.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The public is encouraged to present their pending disputes at the upcoming Lok Adalats to save valuable time and hard-earned money. Litigants interested in settling their cases through Lok Adalat can request the Presiding Officer of the court where their case is pending. Even in compoundable criminal cases, parties can apply to have their matters addressed in Lok Adalat. For pre-litigative matters, requests can be made to the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Patiala.<\/p>\n