The Supreme Court is all set to organise a special Lok Adalat from July 29 to August 3 to facilitate amicable settlement of 11,310 pending cases. In a recent notification, the top court announced that in addition to the first list of 6,773 cases, to be taken up in the Special Lok Adalat as published on May 31, 2024, additional 4,537 cases will also be heard.
A variety of cases pending before the Supreme Court, having elements of settlement, including matrimonial disputes, property disputes, motor accident claims, land acquisition, compensation, service and labour would be taken up by the upcoming Lok Adalat to facilitate speedy disposal.
This special Lok Adalat was organised in the 75th year of the establishment of the apex court, which came into existence on January 26, 1950 with the coming into force of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court in a notification said that Lok Adalats are an integral component of the judicial system in the country, which enhance alternative dispute resolution mechanisms as a means to expedite amicable settlements.
The top court statement said that the idea of organising Lok Adalat was pursuant to the commitment to creating accessible and efficient justice delivery for all sections of the society.
What Are Lok Adalats?
Lok Adalat is an alternative dispute redressal forum where cases pending in the court of law or at pre-litigation stage are settled amicably.
These are statutory and are provided under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The decisions made by the Lok Adalats is deemed to be a decree of a civil court and is final and binding on all parties and no appeal against such an award lies before any court of law.
In case the parties are not satisfied with the decision of the Lok Adalat, there is no provision for an appeal against such an award, however they are free to initiate litigation by approaching the court of appropriate jurisdiction by filing a case.
A separate court fee is not required for cases taken up by Lok Adalat.