Get Sunday justice for your pending cases

Beginning March 22, Sunday Lok Adalats will start offering free-of-cost resolution of cases of cognizable and compoundable offences pending in the courts. Sumit Saxena reports.

If a court case has been niggling you of late, we suggest you cancel this week’s Sunday outing. Beginning March 22, Sunday Lok Adalats will start offering free-of-cost resolution of cases of cognizable and compoundable offences pending in the courts.

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The Delhi Legal Service Authority (DLSA) will conduct these courts in all the five district court complexes for the settlement of cases that are at a pre-litigation stage (the chargesheet has not been filed) and are covered under section 320 of the CrPC.

The DLSA will also depute counsellors to help conflicting parties arrive at a settlement. The order passed by the court will be binding and, after the case is settled, the accused will stand acquitted.

“We are encouraging opposing parties to arrive at a mutual agreement. The police will help identify the matters pending in their areas and also assist litigants, who will follow up on such cases, in the court,” Asha Menon, Member Secretary, DLSA, said.

The Investigating officer (IO) will communicate the date, time and venue of the Lok Adalat to the concerned parties. The IO will also coordinate with the parties to ensure they appear before the court, and will also help arrange the required documents.

The copy of the Lok Adalat’s orders will be provided to the concerned parties and the IO. Parties in dispute, without undergoing trial, can approach any court complex for a settlement.

The officials in the concerned police station will also help litigants settle the cases through Lok Adalats.