Shubha, Member Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority and Senior Civil Judge, has informed that the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, Bengaluru, will organise a National Lok Adalat across the State of Karnataka on March 14. Accordingly, the National Lok Adalat will be conducted in all courts across Kodagu district on the same day.
The Senior Civil Judge stated that this would be a golden opportunity for the public to obtain immediate relief in both pre-litigation and pending court cases. Such cases can be amicably settled through conciliation in the Lok Adalat.
Pre-litigation cases eligible for settlement include cheque dishonour cases, bank recovery cases, employment reinstatement cases, electricity and water bill disputes, other negotiable criminal cases, matrimonial cases and other civil disputes. Cases related to the Karnataka Real Estate Authority, District Consumer Forum, Debt Recovery Tribunal, Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission and Permanent People’s Courts are also included.
Cases pending before courts such as negotiable criminal cases, cheque dishonour cases, bank recovery cases, Motor Accident Claims Tribunal cases, labour disputes, electricity and water charge disputes, matrimonial cases, land acquisition cases, service matters related to pay, allowances and pension, revenue cases, negotiable civil cases and other civil disputes will also be taken up.
Appropriate guidance will be provided to both parties to facilitate an amicable settlement. Since cases are resolved to the satisfaction of both parties, relationships are preserved and disputes are conclusively settled. Even cases not yet registered in courts can be resolved through conciliation.
If a case is settled through conciliation, the entire court fee paid will be refunded. Conciliation will be final only if both parties accept the solution proposed by the conciliator.
This provides a special opportunity for quick and cost-effective justice.  Special Note: Preliminary Lok Adalat hearings are conducted every day in all courts of the State and in Permanent People’s Courts through physical and video conferencing, as per the rules of the Hon’ble High Court.
For further information, the public may contact the Kodagu District Legal Services Authority, Madikeri (Telephone: 08272-222373), or the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, Bengaluru, Helpline No. 1800-425-90900, Shubha stated.
