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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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