Gujarat State Legal Services Authority Organizes Special Lok Adalat; Awards Worth Rs. 161.19 Crore Passed
A special Lok Adalat was organised across Gujarat by the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority, under the guidance of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Biren Vaishnav, focusing on longstanding cases related to cheque dishonour and matrimonial disputes, excluding divorce cases.
During the Lok Adalat, approximately 50,000 cases were taken up for settlement, with 6,770 complaints filed under the Negotiable Instruments (NI) Act related to cheque returns and 1,096 matrimonial cases reaching resolution. Awards totaling Rs. 161.19 crore were passed.
According to a press release dated October 26, 2024, “The Chief Justice has taken decision to hold special lok adalat for special category of cases and the response to the same has been overwhelming. The system for special lok adalat is such that bench for conciliation comprising, one judicial officer and one trained Mediator is formed who conciliate between parties and try to resolve the matters.”
The press release also noted that “All associated with the justice delivery system have appreciated the active measures taken by Hon'ble the Chief Justice."
Several business owners expressed their pleasure that due to the Lok Adalat, “their old debt could promptly recovered prior to Diwali.”