Bhubaneswar: The third National Lok Adalat of the year will be organised on September 12 across all judicial courts and revenue courts in Khordha district, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Bhubaneswar, has announced.
The Lok Adalat will provide an opportunity for the amicable settlement of a wide range of pending cases, including compoundable criminal matters, cheque bounce cases, bank loan disputes, traffic challans, revenue and labour disputes, matrimonial cases excluding divorce matters, land acquisition cases, motor accident claims and property-related disputes.
Apart from cases already pending before courts, the National Lok Adalat will also take up certain pre-litigation disputes. These may include cases involving unpaid bank loans and outstanding telephone, electricity and drinking water bills, which can be resolved through mutual settlement.
The DLSA said no fee would be charged from beneficiaries for settling disputes through the Lok Adalat. Awards passed by the Lok Adalat are final, legally binding and enforceable.
In cases where a pending matter is settled through the Lok Adalat, the court fee paid earlier may also be refunded in accordance with the applicable provisions.
The initiative is aimed at providing a faster and simpler mechanism for resolving disputes through mutual consent, while helping litigants avoid prolonged legal proceedings, additional expenses and loss of time.
The District Legal Services Authority, Bhubaneswar, has appealed to people with eligible pending or pre-litigation disputes to make use of the opportunity. Those seeking further information may contact the DLSA, Bhubaneswar, or the nearest Legal Services Committee or court.
