1 week Ago
Prayagraj: For early disposal of cases, state govt appointed former district judge Viqar Ahmad Ansari as Chairman of Permanent Lok Adalat in district court, Prayagraj . He took charge on Tuesday. Ansari, who was selected in higher judicial service (HJS ) in 2007, has vast experience of serving as district judge of different district courts in the state.
Permanent lok adalat (PLA) already had two members, namely Satyendra Mishra and Richa Pathak, and with appointment of chairman, PLA has got its full strength. With a retired district judge for chairman, Permanent Lok Adalat functions on the premises of district court at Prayagraj. In a notification dated Mar 19 issued by member secretary Sanjay Singh of UP state legal services authority, Lucknow, it has been provided that this appointment has been made for a period of five years or till the member attains 65 years of age, whichever earlier.
Permanent Lok Adalat (PLA) is a permanent body to settle and conciliate cases related to public utility services, a case disposal mechanism organised under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The PLA has jurisdiction over cases involving up to Rs 1 crore. The verdict of PLA is final and binding on all parties.
Comprising a district judge and members with experience in public utility services, its procedure is simple as it can conduct proceedings in a way that it deems appropriate, taking into account circumstances of case and wishes of the parties. The settlement depends on cooperation between parties and the PLA. If parties fail to reach a settlement, PLA can settle the dispute, unless it relates to an offense.
The PLA has power to summon witnesses, examine them on oath, discover and produce documents, and more..
