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A BRIEF NOTE ON MEGA / NATIONAL LOK ADALAT
On 23.11.2013 the Karnataka State Judiciary and Karnataka State Legal
Services Authority, have created history by disposing a record number of
cases through compromise before National Lok Adalats. The main object of
the National Lok Adalat was to ensure speedy justice to the litigants. The
resolution of disputes through Lok Adalats is cost effective and provide easy
access to justice.
“Access to justice for all” is the vision of Legal Service in India. The
Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka and Karnataka State Legal Services Authority
have strived for rendering speedy and timely justice by holding Lok Adalats
regularly at all levels i.e. High Court, Districts and Taluk Courts periodically as
such there is no huge pendency in the Courts of Karnataka State. At present
the pendency in subordinate Courts as on 1st July 2013 in the entire State was
11,83,213 only. Out of these 82,714 cases were identified as the cases fit for
settlement before Lok Adalat. The total pendency before High Court of
Karnataka was 1,70,312 out of these 5,000 cases were identified for
settlement
In pursuance of the guidelines of National Legal Services Authority and
directions given by Hon’ble Chief Justice Mr. Justice D.H. Waghela and Senior
Judges Hon’ble Mr. Justice K.L. Manjunath, Hon’ble Mr. Justice N.K. Patil and
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Hon’ble Mr. Justice H. N. Nagamohan Das, effective and concrete action plan
was formulated. Preparatory meetings were held by Hon’ble Chief Justice and
Senior Judges with the Judicial Officers at Bangalore and Judicial Officers in
other Districts through video conference. The National Mega Lok Adalats
were held at all levels during the period from 22.08.2013 to 23.11.2013 and
record number of cases have been settled.
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The cases settled before Lok Adalat included Criminal case
(Compoundable cases and the cases of minor offences which could be settled
out of Courts), Negotiable Instruments Act cases, Bank recovery cases, Civil
suits, Motor accident claims, Industrial Criminal cases, Labour matters, family
matters and other cases, where there was a possibility of amicable settlement
same of the pre-litigation cases were also taken up for settlement. Lok Adalat
sittings were held since 22.08.2013 and finally on 23.11.2013 the Mega Lok
Adalat drive was inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Justice of High Court of
Karnataka. 19 Benches were set-up at High Court, Bangalore and the 03
Benches at Dharwad Bench, 02 Benches of Gulbarga Bench 1,385 cases were
settled in the Lok Adalat held at High Court and a total 95,178 cases have
been settled before Lok Adalats in the entire State.
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HIGHLIGHTS OF NATIONAL LOK ADALAT
1. The National Lok Adalat has helped in reducing back log of cases and
has achieved its goal by settling the maximum number of cases in the
State and has also created the awareness about Alternative Disputes
Redressal and Speedy Justice.
2. It has wiped off the strained relationship between rival parties and has
restored peace and happiness.
3. It has provided solace and financial support to the large number of
accident victims who were put to suffering. It has saved more than
95,000 being people from Legal wrangles and financial hardship.
4. The court fee (if any paid) will be refunded to the parties.
5. The disposal of 95,178 cases in Mega Lok Adalats have saved the
precious judicial time of all Courts in the State and have also saved
several crores of rupees to the public exchequer.
The initiative of Lok Adalat with the inspiration and guidance of Hon’ble
Chief Justice of High Court of Karnataka has created a new dimension to
Alternative Dispute Redressal System and has given relief to thousands of
litigants in the State.
Bangalore. (ASHOK G. NIJAGANNAVAR) Member Secretary, KSLSA.
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