CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed for effective implementation of “Punjab Dispute Resolution and Litigation, Policy 2020” in the larger public interest.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Punjab government said that this policy addresses the pendency and backlog of cases in courts as the problem is complex and its solution needs a multi-pronged approach. A major portion of the litigation before the Courts involve writ proceedings against bodies which come under the definition of State in Article 12 of the Constitution of India, such as the Government, public sector undertakings, statutory corporations, government companies etc. and such other entities by whatever name called. Hence this Dispute Resolution and Litigation policy has been framed by the Government of Punjab as it recognizes that the Government and such State entities are a party in a large portion of litigation before the courts and the quasi judicial authorities and it is necessary to create conditions which would minimize the institution of cases and reduce delays in settling litigation.
The policy further seeks to ensure that the State and all such State entities effectively work to reduce future litigation and do not contribute to any delay in the ongoing litigation. The State and such State entities shall, where feasible, encourage resolution of disputes with the government administratively or through an alternative dispute resolution system so that all disputes are not left to courts for ultimate decision. The policy stipulates that the state shall ensure efficient management of litigation and conduct itself as a responsible litigant. The State shall take effective steps to reduce new disputes before the courts.