Over 24,000 Disputes Settled During National Lok Adalat Organized By Haryana State Legal Services Authority On July 10

The Haryana State Legal Services Authority organized National Lok Adalat across 22 districts and 33 sub-divisions of Haryana on July 10, 2021, under the guidance of Justice Rajan Gupta, Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court and Executive Chairman, Haryana State Legal Services Authority.

The Judge monitored the event through video conferencing and and discussed working of Lok Adalats with District & Sessions Judges telephonically.

He called upon to settle the maximum number of cases through Lok Adalat as it,

"not only settle pending dispute or disputes going to arise between parties but it also ensures social harmony as parties to settle their cases amicably to their satisfaction. It also decongests courts as matters are settled amicably with the consent of parties eliminating further litigation in the form of appeals and revisions."

A press note issued by the SLSA mentions that Lok Adalats relieves the limited resources available with the courts resulting in expeditious and ineffective dispute resolution. It also says that the system of Lok Adalats benefits parties by the return of court fees paid by them at the time of institution of cases. The Press Release notes,

"During Lok Adalats, pre-litigation and court pending cases of all nature are taken up by different lok Adalat benches presided by Judicial Officers and members. Lok Adalats have proved to be very successful particularity concerning MACT cases."

Amidst the current prevailing situation, Haryana State Legal Services Authority directed the conduction of Lok Adalats physically or virtually across the State as per local requirements. The necessary directions were also issued to strictly follow health protocols such as wearing masks, sanitization of hands, social distancing, etc., for prevention against COVID-19.

The 1st E-Lok Adalat was held on September 18, 2020, through video conferencing across the State of Haryana to resolve the cases/disputes of parties through one of the effective mechanisms of alternate disputes. After a successful experience of E-Lok Adalat, the HSLSA conducted Daily E-Lok Adalat in Haryana, which aims to help the litigants for amicable settlement of disputes.

The system of daily Lok Adalats started in one of the districts on an experimental basis. After encouraging results, daily Lok Adalats were started in the remaining districts. At present, daily Lok Adalats are being held in all the 22 districts of Haryana. In 2020-2021, 58,222 Daily Lok Adalats were held, and 75,437 cases were decided. Total amount of 75,62,19,818 were settled.`

Highlights from the Lok Adalat:

• A total of 10,581 cases were taken up, and 3,011 cases were disposed of at the pre-litigation stage.
• Total amount of Rs.4,82,96,251 were settled.
• 60,172 pending cases were taken up, and out of 21,271 cases were decided.
• Total amount of Rs.87,02,36,422/- were settled.
• Total No. of 24,282 cases at the pre-litigation and pending stage were settled; thereby settling the total amount of Rs.91,85,32,673/- between the parties.

The Press Release also details various other steps taken by HSLSA for precaution and prevention against COVID-19 across Haryana.

a. A project named "Arrest the disease-wear a mask, don't go close, cover your nose" was launched by HSLSA in May 2021 in association with Health Department, Haryana. It aims to create awareness amongst the general masses about COVID health protocols and educate them about mask etiquettes. Under the said project, Legal Services Authorities conducted 220 vaccination camps across the State, and 35,421 persons were vaccinated. Under this project, District Legal Services Authorities are undertaking mask-making campaigns in association with NGOs/Public Agencies/Jails and distributing the same to the needy persons for free of cost. 1,08,517 masks were prepared/distributed under the campaign.

b. HSLSA launched short animated clips on various topics such as legal aid, gender equality, COVID vaccination, and mask etiquettes to sensitize maximum people on their respective topics and multiple aspects. It prepared publicity materials on COVID-19, which have been shared with all the District Legal Services Authorities to circulate among the public through different electronic means to reach every person, even living in far-flung areas.

c. HSLSA is sharing awareness material under the project "Corona Home Warriors" with the help of children and social media. It aims to create maximum mass awareness on prevention against COVID-19 and effective implementation of health protocols such as wearing masks rightly, social distancing, washing hands frequently, hands sanitization, etc.

d. The HSLSA has launched Project HOPE to help those unfortunate children who have lost their single or both parents in the COVID pandemic while fighting with the disease. It aims to ensure the rights and benefits of children left alone or with a single surviving parent. Under the said project, 3,090 children have been identified who lost their single parent and 84 children who have lost both parents.

The HSLSA is likely to undertake large-scale tree plantation to create awareness for protecting the environment by distributing free plants, including crafted fruit plants, in July, August & September 2021.

The note mentions that during the lockdown, HSLSA, through DLSAs, extended help to 3,50,000 migrants regarding transit and food in coordination with District Administration & NGOs:

• More than 4,000 awareness programs were conducted for creating awareness regarding Covid;
• More than 4,40,000 persons had participated;
• 2,00,000 mask & sanitizers were distributed;
• 2,700 were provided medical assistance;
• More than 20,000 Sanitary napkins were distributed;
• 8,121 were assisted with shelter;
• 20,103 were assisted about travelling to home states or home districts;
• 1,100 Stranded Labourers were assisted for movement pas;
• 162 persons were given financial assistance under the scheme of Haryana Govt. etc.

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