Lok Adalats clear about one lakh cases in a day

Sunday was a red letter day for Indian judiciary. Lok Adalats in several city courts settled nearly one lakh civil and criminal cases, including 80,000 related to traffic challans. The Adalats were organised jointly by Delhi Police and Delhi Legal Service Authority (DLSA) in various trial courts and High Court in the city. They were held at six courts complexes -- Saket, Dwarka, Patiala House, Rohini, Tis Hazari and Karkardooma.

While settling about 1,200 cases under the Motor Accident Claim Tribunal Act, the Adalats awarded Rs 18 crore to several motor accident victims. The mega Lok Adalat was inaugurated by Supreme Court Justice Altamas Kabir. According to DLSA officials, approximately 1.1 lakh cases from nine districts were listed before six trial courts for settlement.

"More than 90 per cent cases have been settled in the Lok Adalat. The participation at large was overwhelming in the trial courts. We are planning to hold another similar Lok Adalat," said Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court Dipak Misra. "Some district courts had to work till late evening due to heavy load. More than 16,000 civil and criminal compoundable cases, road accident cases under MACT act, labour disputes and traffic challans were decided today," Justice Misra added.