Court expressed its dismay with the manner in which the Lok- Adalat matters are dealt with. Chief Justice of India speaking for the Bench, upon noticing the provisions of the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987, observed that whereas Lok Adalat had to arrive at a just settlement in their conciliatory role guided by the principles of justice, equity, fair play and other legal principles, but in that case it assumed a judicial role, heard parties, ignored the absence of consensus, and increased the compensation to an extent it considered just and reasonable, by a reasoned order which is adjudicatory in nature. It arrogated to itself the appellate powers of the High Court and ‘allowed' the appeal and ‘directed' the respondents in the appeal to pay the enhanced compensation within a period fixed by it. It was held that such an order is not an Award.
State of Punjab and another vs. Jalour Singh : JT 2008 (2) SC 83
