New Delhi [India], July 30 (HBTV): In a significant move aimed at expediting dispute resolution through alternate judicial mechanisms, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has approved the inclusion of banking, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), and gas supply under the category of Public Utility Services for resolution through Permanent Lok Adalats.

The proposal, submitted by the Law Department of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), cited the rising number of disputes in the banking, financial, and gas supply sectors and recommended their inclusion to facilitate faster and more efficient legal redressal.

The move is expected to provide equitable, low-cost, and time-bound grievance redressal to a large section of the population facing service-related issues in these sectors.

According to the Law Department, many disputes related to loans, financial recovery, savings and investments, service deficiencies, and billing in the banking and NBFC sectors could be effectively resolved outside traditional courts if these services are notified as public utility services.

Such inclusion would empower Permanent Lok Adalats to handle these matters, reduce the burden on regular courts, and offer simplified legal remedies accessible to the public.

The proposal noted that these three services align closely with the characteristics of public utility services and, due to the increasing volume of related cases, there is a pressing need to ensure cost-effective and amicable resolution of such disputes.

It also highlighted that individuals involved in these disputes often cannot afford lengthy litigation, making Permanent Lok Adalats a practical and affordable alternative.

Currently, three Permanent Lok Adalats are functional in Delhi to resolve electricity-related disputes involving private DISCOMs. Additionally, the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) is in the process of establishing another Permanent Lok Adalat to handle issues related to other public utility services, including transport, postal and telecom services, water supply, sanitation, health services, and insurance.

(ANI)