Lok Adalat settles 725 out of 1,250 cases in Phagwara

To reduce the burden on courts, a Lok Adalat was organised at the Phagwara Court Complex. Presided over by Judicial Magistrate (Senior Division) Surekha Dadwal and Judicial Magistrate Harshebir Sandhu (JMIC), the event facilitated the settlement of 725 cases out of a total of 1,250 through mutual agreement between the parties. The panel included advocates Dhandeep Kaur, Ankit Dhingra, Sonika Handa and Sunny Dev.

General secretary of the Bar Association, Phagwara, Dhandeep Kaur highlighted the importance of Lok Adalats as an alternative dispute resolution platform, emphasising their efficiency in resolving cases like property disputes, financial disagreements and marital issues. “Lok Adalats are unique as they rely on dialogue and mutual understanding between parties. There is no punishment involved, and compensation or damages are paid immediately,” she stated.

Advocate Dhandeep Kaur also noted that decisions made in Lok Adalats are binding and cannot be challenged in any court. Additionally, court fees are refunded for cases settled through mutual agreement, providing financial relief to 0the litigants.