
Chandigarh [India], August 20 (ANI): The National Lok Adalat will be held in Chandigarh on September 13 to facilitate the amicable settlement of pending cases through compromise, a release stated. The initiative is organised under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) said that individuals interested in resolving their disputes may approach its office to get their cases listed for the upcoming Lok Adalat.
The exercise aims to reduce case pendency and promote speedy justice through mutual settlement. Cases to be addressed include criminal compoundable offences, cheque bounce cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, money recovery suits, motor accident claims, labour disputes, and matters related to public utility services such as electricity and water bills. Additionally, matrimonial and family disputes, rent cases, consumer protection cases, maintenance-related matters, and other civil disputes—including injunction suits and specific performance cases—will be taken up.
NALSA, along with other Legal Services Institutions, conducts Lok Adalats as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism. Lok Adalats have statutory recognition under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. Awards made by Lok Adalats are deemed decrees of a civil court, final and binding on all parties, with no provision for appeal. However, if parties are dissatisfied with the award, they may initiate litigation by filing a case in a court of appropriate jurisdiction, exercising their right to litigate. (ANI)