SURAT: Gujarat, the first state in the country to start Lok Adalat camps in 1982, has come out with yet another novel concept to reduce the load of pending cases before the courts.
Valsad district and sessions court has started a 'settlement window' system, which will allow the litigating parties to arrive at a compromise after the case is filed. The court will attempt to bring the parties together under the supervision of judicial officers and look to settle the issue before the case's first hearing.
The service has begun on a trial basis and will be made available once in a week on Mondays, court authorities informed. Four cases were taken up under the system on January 6, the first Monday. Cases of various nature in which compromise can be reached will be brought before the settlement window.
"The concept is the brainchild of V B Mayani, principal district and sessions judge. Gujarat High Court has given its go-ahead to the initiative," said P G Sonagara, registrar, District and Sessions Court, Valsad.
Cases involving criminal, alimony, domestic violence, private complaint, civil suits, special suits and those filed under the provisions of Negotiable Instrument Act, Hindu Marriage Act and Motor Accident Compensation Act would be taken up under the system for which the court has posted some judicial staff.
"The court will take a letter from the first applicant when he approaches it looking for compromise. Later the respondent would be summoned and if both parties agree, their case would be directed to the settlement window," Sonagara added.
"It is a good initiative by the principal district and sessions judge. Both the parties get an early hearing on their case through this system and it also helps towards reducing the court's burden," said P D Patel, president, Valsad Lawyer's Association.
Original NEWS Source:- http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2014-01-06/surat/45917799_1_gujarat-high-court-sessions-court-early-hearing#.UuFJAm4PaHk.blogger
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