In a recent judgment, the Rajasthan High Court addressed whether Lok Adalats can dismiss cases if one of the parties refuses to appear before them. This ruling is crucial as it clarifies the procedural boundaries and the role of Lok Adalats in dispute resolution.
Role and Limitations of Lok Adalats
Lok Adalats are an alternative dispute resolution mechanism established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. Their primary role is to facilitate the amicable settlement of disputes through conciliation and compromise. They do not have the adjudicatory power to decide cases on merits like regular courts. Instead, their mandate is to bring about settlements agreed upon by both parties.
Case Background and Court’s Observations
The matter before the Rajasthan High Court involved a dispute referred to a Lok Adalat where one of the parties refused to participate in the proceedings. The petitioner challenged the Lok Adalat’s ability to dismiss the case due to non-appearance.
The High Court observed that Lok Adalats are not empowered to adjudicate disputes but can only facilitate settlements between willing parties. If a settlement cannot be reached due to the non-appearance of one party, the Lok Adalat is required to return the case to the referring court for disposal according to law. This ensures that the rights of the parties are not prejudiced by the inability to reach a compromise.
Implications of the Ruling
The judgment underscores the non-adjudicatory nature of Lok Adalats and reinforces their role as facilitators of settlements rather than decision-makers. This ruling prevents any misinterpretation of the powers of Lok Adalats and ensures that parties’ rights are preserved by referring unresolved matters back to the regular courts.
Conclusion
The Rajasthan High Court’s decision provides clear guidance on the procedural limitations of Lok Adalats, emphasizing that they cannot dismiss cases due to the non-appearance of a party. This ruling protects the procedural fairness and legal rights of the parties involved, ensuring that unresolved disputes are properly adjudicated by competent courts.