TN exceeds Lok Adalat target of 14 lakh cases

Going the extra mile, nearly 15 lakh cases were today disposed of in Tamil Nadu, exceeding its target of 14 lakh, during the second National Lok Adalat.
Over 300 judges, including 12 in the Madras High Court here, chaired the proceedings in 32 districts. Last year, 13 lakh cases were resolved.
In the Madras High Court's Principal Bench here and Madurai Bench, a total of 360 cases were settled.
According to Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority (TNSLSA), more than Rs 20 crore was disbursed in settlement, in cases cleared by the high court.
Motor accident claims, property disputes in civil suits, bank recoveries were among the nature of cases dealt with.

Among the resolved disputes involving huge compensation was one related to a 38-year old woman road traffic accident victim, who was awarded Rs 90 lakh compensation.

Ponmalar Lakshmi suffered severe spinal injuries in the mishap, immobilising her both legs. She along with her husband Raja was hit by another vehicle while they were on their way to Tiruchirappalli from here last year.
Her case, which was pending in the Small Causes Court here was referred to Lok Adalat.
Cholamandalam insurance company agreed to pay Rs 90 lakh as compensation and the cheque for this was handed over to her husband by TNSLSA Executive Chairman Justice Satish K Agnihotri.

Another road accident victim Priya, whose right hand had been paralysed, was paid Rs 70 lakh by United India Insurance Corporation.
In another case, a woman loan defaulter paid Rs 2.5 crore dues to Indian Bank, TNSLSA officials said.