As many as 6,241 cases related to Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) were disposed of and a compensation of `34.60 crore was paid to vehicle insurance beneficiaries, accident victims and their relatives from January to April in the mega Lok Adalats through District Legal Services Authority or Taluk Legal Services Committee across the State.
The Adalats were organised by the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority (KSLSA).
As many as 2.25 lakh cases were disposed of in 7,700 sittings. The cases were related to Motor Vehicle Act, local civic bodies, Negotiable Instruments Act and banks. The Adalats have also settled 355 matrimonial cases.
The highest number of cases were disposed of in Mangalore, Shimoga and Belgaum. In Mangalore, a total of 17,214 cases were settled followed by Shimoga with 13,556 cases and Belgaum with 12,004 cases. As many as 1,103 cases were settled in Koppal while 1,369 cases were disposed of in Yadgir and 1,683 cases were settled in Udupi respectively.
Speaking to Express, KSLSA Member Secretary Ashok G Nijagannanavar said two major types of compensation were paid to beneficiaries. “Companies pay accident insurance amount to vehicle owners and those, who are responsible of accidents, give compensation to the victims or their family members,” he said.
“Settling cases through Lok Adalats will save money of the court, victims and insurance companies as cases can be disposed of in one sitting. Thus, time is also saved. We call both the parties and act as a mediator to solve the cases through an amicable settlement,” he noted.
High Court Advocate N P Amruthesh said motor vehicle cases are normally settled in three or six years. “If one of the parties goes for appeal, another three years will be added. Some cases even take more than 10 years,” he said.
“Earlier, it was difficult to dispose of motor vehicle cases. But now, there are four to five Supreme Court judgements which other courts are using as guidelines. The Supreme Court has fixed compensation amount for every category and every loss,” he added.