Lok Adalat cannot adjudicate a lis on merit except settlement

M/s K.K. Distributors 486 Vs State of Chhattisgarh (Chhattisgarh High Court) Perusal of the provisions laid down would show that the Lok Adalat do not have any power of adjudicatory function and if it is found that the offence is not compoundable then it cannot have access on the merits to give any finding. In the instant case the order dated 09.09.2017 would show that the Lok Adalat exceeded its jurisdiction by entering into merits by discussing the provisions of the act for which the complaint was filed and accordingly held that offences are non-compoundable. Therefore, the Lok-Adalat has ex...