High Court Judge Conducts Inspection of Amritsar Central Jail and Lok Adalat
Justice Rohit Kapoor, Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and Administrative Judge of the Amritsar Sessions Division, undertook a comprehensive inspection of courts and the Central Jail in Amritsar on Saturday. This visit was part of his oversight duties and coincided with the National Lok Adalat, aimed at promoting alternative dispute resolution.
Jail Inspection and Healthcare Initiatives
During the inspection, Justice Kapoor thoroughly examined various sections of the Central Jail, assessing the facilities provided to inmates. A key highlight was the inauguration of a telemedicine facility, designed to enhance healthcare services for prisoners. This innovative system enables inmates to consult doctors via digital platforms without needing to leave the jail premises, potentially improving access to medical care and reducing logistical challenges.
Additionally, Justice Kapoor visited the jail hospital to review existing medical facilities, ensuring they meet required standards. In another significant move, he inaugurated an E-Mulakat facility, which allows lawyers to communicate digitally with their clients who are lodged in jails. This initiative aims to streamline legal consultations and support the rights of prisoners.
Interaction at National Lok Adalat
Later, Justice Kapoor interacted with litigants attending the National Lok Adalat, encouraging them to resolve disputes through mutual settlement. The Lok Adalat saw substantial success, with several cases being amicably resolved through judicial intervention.
Notable settlements included:
- A family dispute before Additional Principal Judge of Family Court, Aman Sharma, was successfully resolved.
- Two loan recovery cases worth Rs 29 lakh, listed before ACJ (Senior Division) Palwinder Singh at Ajnala, were settled for Rs 14 lakh.
- Another loan case involving Rs 14 lakh was settled for Rs 4 lakh through a full and final compromise.
In an inspiring development, a matrimonial dispute pending before a local court was resolved, with a husband and wife who had been living separately for 12 years agreeing to reunite and return home together with their children.
Scale and Impact of the Lok Adalat
The National Lok Adalat in the Amritsar Sessions Division was organized on a large scale, with 46 benches set up across various locations. Specifically, 37 benches were established at the Amritsar headquarters, including 35 judicial court benches, one Industrial Tribunal-cum-Labour Court bench, and one Permanent Lok Adalat (Public Utility Services) bench. Additional benches were set up at Ajnala (5) and Baba Bakala Sahib (4).
Out of 35,049 cases listed for the Lok Adalat, a remarkable total of 33,393 cases were settled amicably. This high settlement rate underscores the effectiveness of Lok Adalats in reducing court backlogs and fostering peaceful resolutions.
Environmental and Community Engagement
To mark the occasion of the Lok Adalat, judicial officials planted saplings, symbolizing growth and renewal in the justice system. This gesture highlights the integration of community and environmental awareness into judicial activities.
Overall, Justice Kapoor's visit emphasized improvements in jail facilities, advancements in digital healthcare and communication for inmates, and the successful resolution of numerous disputes through the Lok Adalat mechanism, contributing to judicial efficiency and access to justice in the region.
