The recently concluded day-long Maha Lok Adalat, organised by the Pune district legal services authority, has proved a boon for several feuding family members, giving them the opportunity to settle their disputes amicably.
Many warring couples and parents-children got reunited during the event and withdrew their complaints in the presence of the Lok Adalat panel.
Take the case of a 60-year-old Meenakshi (name changed) who had filed a case against her 19-year-old adopted son Raju (name changed) under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. Raju promised before the judge he would not ill treat his mother any more.
Meenakshi withdrew her case, giving the duo another chance to live under one roof.
Meenakshi and her husband Mohan adopted Raju from a city adoption agency when he was just 2 years old as the couple did not have any children. Raju was given a good upbringing but, after Mohan’s death in 2005, the lad landed in bad company. This started the feud between the son and mother.
Raju failed his SSC examination and frequently demanded money from Meenakshi. Initially she used to give in, apparently succumbing to his pressure. Last year she even sold some property for Rs7 lakh, when Raju threatened her with dire consequences.
Early this year Raju again demanded money and told Meenakshi to sell the house where they stayed. Fed up with the daily dispute and threats from Raju, she filed a private complaint against her son.
In another case, a separated couple amicably decided to continue their family life. Riaz (name changed) and his wife Shabana (name changed) were separated for the last four years, apparently because Riaz was annoyed with his wife for delivering a baby girl for the second time.
After separation, Shabana moved court demanding maintenance from Riaz. Initially Riaz paid maintenance, but later stopped. The aggrieved lady again moved court.
During the Maha Lok Adalat panel member and the judge impressed upon the couple the need to reunite, since separation would have a negative impact on their children. The couple settled the dispute and reunited.
The Lok Adalat brought cheer on faces of two children who met their mother after she parted with her husband a 4 years ago. The children met the mother at the event and the father mend fences with his wife in the court.
The farther agreed to allow his separated wife to meet the children whenever she wished to.
