Lok Adalat 'Awards' Not Independent Verdict, Should Resist Temptation To Play Role Of Regular Judges: Orissa High Court

In a significant decision, the Orissa High Court at Cuttack has quashed an award passed by the Permanent Lok Adalat (PSU), Balangir-Sonepur-Balangir, in W.P.(C) No.16710 of 2014. The case involved a challenge to an award dated 04.07.2014 in PLA Case No. 43 of 2013, concerning installation of Coach Indication Boards at Titilagarh, Balangir Railway Station. Factual Background: The petitioners, represented by Mr. B.K. Padhi, challenged the award which directed the…