Now Dist Court judges to hold court on Sundays for next 2 months

The directions have been passed in view of the “National Lok Adalat” to be held on November 23. A

decision to this effect was taken at a special meeting of High Court Judges,including the administrative judge of the Chandigarh District Courts.

The meeting,held on August 23 in the High Court,was attended by two High Court Judges,Chandigarh District and Sessions Judge (DSJ) S K Aggarwal and Lal Chand,Member Legal Services.

The meeting was held to “evolve the strategy for disposal of maximum cases”.

“In the meeting it was decided that in order to dispose of cases of traffic challans category special sitting of Magistrate(s) on Sunday in month of October and November shall be held,” reads the official communication sent by the High Court to the UT District Courts. The communication was received earlier this week.

In addition to speedy disposal of traffic challans,the High Court has also asked the lower court judges to “identify and dispose of dead wood cases”. For this,the High Court has ordered that a “special exercise be undertaken”.

In case the lower court judges conclude that certain cases have reached a dead end,they would be empowered to end the proceedings under Section 258 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

Regarding pendency of cases relating to cheque dishonour cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act,the High Court has ordered that such cases may not be disposed of while sitting in Lok Adalats.

“Referring such cases to the mediator by concerned court may be helpful,” reads the High Court letter.

In another significant order,the High Court,on the administrative side,has decided that cheque dishonour cases involving an amount of more than Rs 20,000 shall be referred to the Mediation and Conciliation Centre in Chandigarh District Courts. The cases involving an amount of less than Rs 20,000 shall be referred to Permanent Lok Adalat.

Meetings with officials concerned of insurance companies to decide cases of Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) cases have also been recommended by the High Court.