Can Lok Adalats dismiss a case if a party refuses to appear before it? Rajasthan High Court answers

The Rajasthan High Court clarified that Lok Adalats cannot dismiss a case merely because one party refuses to appear. The court emphasized that the refusal of one party to participate does not deprive the other party of their right to a fair hearing. It upheld that Lok Adalats must ensure both parties are heard before making any decisions. This judgment reinforces the principle of procedural fairness in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms like Lok Adalats, promoting equitable outcomes in legal disputes.