Date:26/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/26/stories/2008072657940500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

‘Approach LSA for resolving disputes’

Staff Reporter

Alternate dispute resolution to be publicised
Free legal aid to SCs, STs, widows, AIDS patients

ADILABAD: Adilabad district Legal Services Authority (LSA) Secretary M. Krishnappa on Friday appealed to the common people to approach the LSA for resolving disputes including those in the family.

He said the LSA was the proper forum for the many poor petitioners were approaching the district administration for resolution of some disputes.

Mr. Krishnappa told reporters here that the Alternate dispute resolution (ADR) system that comprised of the Lok Adalats and the free legal aid need to be publicised among the common people, especially the poor. He said due to lack of awareness on the subject, people are put to undue hardships in resolution of disputes.

Citing examples, he said aggrieved parties like the parent who are not looked after by their children could seek resolution of their grievance here. Besides, all those cases that are not considered grave crimes can be resolved through mediation, conciliation and arbitration through the LSA, he added.

The categories of people who are eligible for free legal aid are poor persons with annual income below Rs. 50,000, all SCs and STs, widows, those who suffered loss in natural calamities, AIDS patients, women and infants etc, he said.