Opt for alternate disputes redressal forums: chief justice AK Sikri

In the backdrop of the fact that about 5 lakh cases were pending in different courts in the state, Punjab and Haryana high court chief justice AK Sikri on Wednesday stressed on the need to opt for alternative disputes resolution mechanism to clear the backlog.

In the backdrop of the fact that about 5 lakh cases were pending in different courts in the state, Punjab and Haryana high court chief justice AK Sikri on Wednesday stressed on the need to opt for alternative disputes resolution mechanism to clear the backlog.

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“There are about 3 crore cases pending in various courts in the country, of which about 5 lakh cases are pending in Punjab. The ADRs can play an important role in clearing the backlog,” justice Sikri said after laying the foundation stone of a judicial complex in Sector 76, which would be constructed in two years at a cost of Rs 72.75 crore.

The judicial complex would be divided onto three parts - court rooms, alternative dispute resolution centre and chambers for lawyers.

As per available information, about seven lakh cases are filed in Punjab and Haryana every year. “Resolution of the cases through conciliation can go a long way to check disputes. The ADR centre proposed to be constructed at this judicial complex will provide all legal aids under one roof,” added Justice Sikri, while disclosing that the first ADR centre was set up in the state in Patiala. More ADR centres would soon be set up in different districts of Punjab, he added. An ADR centre has been set up in Chandigarh.

“The judicial complex would have ultra-modern facilities and would be environment-friendly. The complex will come up in two phases. In the first phase, 5-storey building would be constructed to house 23 courtroom. In the second phase, another three storeys would be added for additional 15 courts,” said deputy commissioner Varun Roojam while giving details of the project.