Couple reconciles during Lok Adalat in Mangaluru; over 24,000 cases resolved in Udupi

Harish Salian and Shashikala ended their divorce battle by reuniting during a Lok Adalat session, while Udupi’s Lok Adalat settled 24,575 cases in a single day, awarding Rs 11.47 crore in compensation.

Mangaluru: A Lok Adalat held at the District Court here on Saturday brought a heartwarming resolution as a couple seeking divorce chose to reunite.

Harish Salian and Shashikala had filed for divorce citing marital differences but were referred to the court’s mediation centre. After sustained efforts by mediators, both parties agreed to reconcile and continue their married life together.

During the Lok Adalat session, Harish and Shashikala exchanged garlands in front of Principal District Judge Basavaraj, symbolizing their reunion and the amicable closure of the case.

District Legal Services Authority Member Secretary Zaibunnisa, several judges, and advocates were present to witness the event.

In Udupi

On the same day, a massive Lok Adalat in Udupi district successfully resolved 24,575 cases from courts in Udupi, Kundapur, Karkala, and Baindoor. The cases were settled through mutual consent, with compensation amounting to Rs 11.47 crore announced.

The resolved cases included:

Criminal cases: 19

Cheque dishonour cases: 189

Bank/money recovery cases: 9

Motor vehicle accident claims: 80

Civil cases: 162

Other criminal cases: 3,423

Labour disputes: 1

Cases under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act: 4

Pre-litigation cases: 20,688

Principal District and Sessions Judge of Udupi, Kiran Siddappa Gangannavar, highlighted the success of the Lok Adalat in expediting dispute resolution and reducing the judicial backlog.