Chandigarh:
In a positive example of how mediation helps resolve sensitive family disputes, a matrimonial case between husband and wife was amicably settled in the Court of Ms. Rekha, Principal Judge, Family Court, Panchkula. The couple, who were married in 2013 according to Hindu rites, were blessed with two daughters. Over time, misunderstandings and communication gaps led to marital discord, prompting the parties to approach the Family Court by filing a petition under Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. Considering the sensitive nature of the dispute and the welfare of the children, the Court referred the matter to mediation. Through sincere efforts and constructive dialogue during the mediation process, the parties were able to resolve their differences and reach an amicable settlement in National Lok Adalat. This case highlights the important role of Family Courts and mediation in promoting understanding, preserving dignity, and ensuring solutions that safeguard the interests of families and children.
Today, Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HALSA) successfully organized its first National Lok Adalat of the Year on 14th March, 2026, under the guidance of Justice Deepak Sibal, Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court and Executive Chairman, HALSA. The Lok Adalat was held across all 22 Districts and 38 Sub-Divisions of Haryana. Justice Deepak Sibal personally monitored the functioning of National Lok Adalat across the State and encouraged the Benches to demonstrate their highest level of commitment and efficiency to ensure maximum disposal of cases in the National Lok Adalat, thereby advancing the objective of accessible and affordable justice for all.
Under the instructions of Justice Deepak Sibal, Executive Chairman, HALSA, on the day of the National Lok Adalat, Jagdeep Singh, District & Sessions Judge-cum-Member Secretary, Haryana State Legal Services Authority closely monitored the functioning of the Lok Adalats convened across the State of Haryana through video conferencing. He personally inspected the Lok Adalat Benches at District Courts, Panchkula and interacted with the litigants and reviewed the proceedings of Lok Adalat Benches.
Today’s Lok Adalat, including pre-Lok Adalat sittings, witnessed the disposal of 5,72,911 cases, demonstrating the strong commitment of HALSA and the judiciary in ensuring accessible and speedy justice. The disposal in first National Lok Adalat of the year significantly brought down core pendency of cases in the courts of Haryana. An amount of Rs. 1,72,63,19,466/- stood disbursed during the National Lok Adalat.
Total 177 benches were constituted at various courts to take up both pre-litigation and pending cases, encompassing a wide spectrum of matters such ascivil disputes, matrimonial cases, motor accident claims, bank recovery suits, cheque bounce matters, traffic challans, compoundable criminal offences, and cases before Permanent Lok Adalats (Public Utility Services).
