Reference to Lok Adalat:
N.K.Assumi
(Querist) 05 September 2008
This query is : Resolved
if only one party to the dispute pending before the court makes a reference to the Court for reference of the case to the lok Adalat and there is every chance for settlement, can the court make the reference to Lok Adalat?
Murali Krishna
(Expert) 05 September 2008
No. For a reference to Lokadalat consent of both the parties necessary. You may refer the judgement of Supreme Court in State of Punjab Vs. Jalour Singh [(2008)2 SCC 660]. In this judgement Supreme Court delienated the contours of Lok Adalat.
However, in case of Public Utility services, any party can refer the dispute before a Permanent lokadalat.
N.K.Assumi
(Querist) 05 September 2008
Tanx Murali for the citation.
G. ARAVINTHAN
(Expert) 11 September 2008
If the Court opts that the case fit for settlement in Lok Adalat, then the case may be referred to Lok Adalat on referance of one of the party