Photo Source: ANI
National Lok Adalat resolves 16,518 cases in Gurdaspur, awards over Rs 138 crore
Rohit Gupta
Gurdaspur (Punjab), March 8 2025 – The National Lok Adalat was successfully organized today at the District Court Complex, Gurdaspur, and Sub-Division, Batala, under the directions of Justice Arun Palli, Executive Chairman, Punjab State Legal Services Authority, S.A.S. Nagar. Under the guidance of Sh. Rajinder Aggarwal, Ld. District & Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson, District Legal Services Authority, Gurdaspur, the event was coordinated by Ms. Ramneet Kaur, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Gurdaspur.
During this Lok Adalat, a variety of cases, including Criminal Compoundable Cases, cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, Bank Recovery Cases, MACT Cases, Matrimonial Disputes, Labour Disputes, Land Acquisition Matters, Electricity and Water Bill Cases, Service Matters, Revenue Cases, and other civil disputes, were taken up for resolution.
Additionally, pre-litigation cases, including bank recovery, labor disputes, and other civil matters, were also considered.A total of 14 benches were constituted to handle the cases. Out of 17,690 cases presented, 16,518 were successfully resolved, leading to the passing of awards worth ₹138,38,28,873.
Rajinder Aggarwal emphasized the benefits of the National Lok Adalat, highlighting its role in ensuring the speedy and amicable resolution of disputes.
He noted that the awards passed by Lok Adalats hold the same status as a Civil Court decree, with no provision for appeal, and litigants also benefit from a full refund of court fees.
He further encouraged litigants to opt for settlement through Lok Adalat by requesting their case's Presiding Officer or, in pre-litigation matters, approaching the Civil Judge (Senior Division)-cum-Secretary, District Legal Services Authority.
Additionally, on this occasion, a Camp Court was organized in Central Jail, Gurdaspur, by Ramneet Kaur, where cases related to petty offenses were resolved. Convicts were counseled and directed to refrain from illegal activities in the future.
The National Lok Adalat continues to play a crucial role in reducing the pendency of cases and promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms across the judicial system.