National Lok Adalat Settles 13 Consumer Cases, Disburses ₹1.01 Crore

A National Lok Adalat was held today across all Consumer Commissions and Courts in Himachal Pradesh, leading to the resolution of 13 consumer disputes and the allocation of compensation amounting to ₹1.01 crore. This event was presided over by Justice Inder Singh Mehta, the president of the Himachal Pradesh State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

The Lok Adalat addressed a total of 36 consumer cases, with more than one-third reaching amicable settlements. In the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Kangra, located at Dharamsala, nine cases were resolved, resulting in a combined compensation of ₹17,88,238 for the affected consumers.

In a similar fashion, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Shimla successfully disposed of three cases, awarding ₹30,11,500 in compensation. Meanwhile, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Mandi resolved ten disputes, leading to compensation totaling ₹9,95,811.

The National Lok Adalat initiative aims to expedite the resolution of consumer disputes while providing an accessible platform for consumers to seek justice. This approach not only reduces the backlog of cases in the judicial system but also helps consumers receive timely compensation for grievances.

The successful resolution of these cases underscores the effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in the country’s legal framework. The process is designed to facilitate a quicker and less formal resolution compared to traditional court proceedings, making it beneficial for all parties involved.

As consumer rights continue to gain prominence in India, initiatives like the National Lok Adalat play a crucial role in ensuring that consumers are heard and compensated fairly. The outcomes of today’s sessions reflect a commitment to upholding consumer rights and enhancing access to justice across the region.