PLA Resolves 726 Cases, Announces Month-Long Campaign

Quick Summary:

• A month-long awareness campaign on Permanent Lok Adalat (PLA) courts was launched in Dharwad, focusing on public sensitization about their benefits.
• The campaign, jointly organized by the judiciary and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), will have programs at five locations in each taluk of Dharwad district.
• Judge Nagarajappa Kuradakar highlighted that PLA courts ensure swift disposal of cases without court fees, offering verdicts through conciliation that cannot be challenged in other civil courts.
• PLA jurisdiction includes seven districts: Ballari, Koppal, Davangere, Dharwad, Gadag, Uttara Kannada, and Haveri; cases with compensation up to ₹1 crore related to public utility services can be filed.
• In the last year, 726 cases were resolved while 479 remain pending. PLA courts operate outside CPC (Civil Procedure Code) and the Evidence Act requirements.
• DLSA Member Secretary P.F. Doddamani announced a National Lok Adalat for September 13 in Dharwad district to mediate civil disputes and various litigations such as Motor Vehicle accidents and family issues.

Indian opinion Analysis:
the initiation of a month-long campaign underscores efforts to enhance awareness about Permanent Lok Adalat courts as an effective mechanism for dispute resolution in IndiaS judicial system. By offering cost-free proceedings outside conventional legal frameworks like CPC or Evidence Act requirements, PLA promotes efficiency and accessibility for citizens affected by discrepancies in public utility services or seeking swift resolutions up to ₹1 crore compensation claims.

the resolving of over 700 cases last year reflects productive progress but also highlights remaining challenges with nearly 500 pending matters requiring attention within its jurisdiction across seven districts. The permanent judge appointments address prior delays caused by limited sittings-a promising step toward improving judicial efficacy.

Additionally, September’s National Lok Adalat aligns with broader objectives to encourage mediation-based conflict resolution mechanisms beyond traditional litigation processes for diverse disputes like civil or family matters-strengthening access to justice at grassroots levels.

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