The Hindu : New Delhi News : Supreme Court settles 29 cases in a day at Lok Adalat

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Supreme Court settles 29 cases in a day at Lok Adalat

Legal Correspondent

Photo: Sandeep Saxena

Swift work: The Lok Adalat held by the apex court in session on Saturday.

NEW DELHI: In its second Lok Adalat, the Supreme Court on Saturday settled 29 cases, arising out of appeals on motor accident compensation claims, and matrimonial and consumer disputes pending in the court for years.

Chief Justice of India K. G. Balakrishnan inaugurated the Lok Adalat, which three Benches presided over. Talking to The Hindu, he said, “The Lok Adalat is a continuing concept to settle disputes through conciliation and mediation. Such Adalats will be held at regular intervals. Priority is given to motor accident claims cases, matrimonial disputes, and cases relating to acquisition of land for various projects.”

Asked whether the Supreme Court would appoint conciliators, the Chief Justice said, “At present we are taking the services of conciliators at the mediation centre in Delhi High Court.” However, “we need trained conciliators. What we need is cooperation of lawyers and litigants to take up cases at Lok Adalats for settlement.”

A total of 68 cases were listed for hearing on Monday before the three Benches. Initially the Chief Justice, along with Justices Arijit Pasayat and P. Sathasivam, settled a few accident compensation cases. Thereafter, Justices Pasayat and Sathasivam settled other cases.

Justices B.N. Agrawal, R.V. Raveendran and V.S. Sirpurkar formed another Bench. Justices Ashok Bhan and Mukundakam Sharma were on the third Bench.

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