Punjab Sets Up New Authority to Speed Up Out-of-Court Dispute Resolution

The Punjab government has established the Punjab Alternative Dispute Resolution Authority (ADRA) to expedite the resolution of disputes outside of court settings. This new authority is designed to facilitate mutual consultation between the public, government departments, and other parties, offering a more streamlined and efficient alternative to traditional legal proceedings.

Officials emphasized that ADRA's creation aims to alleviate the burden of pending cases on the judicial system, providing a cost-effective solution and reducing overall resolution times. With the Punjab chief minister serving as chairperson, and a director general alongside experts from various fields, ADRA will include retired judges from high courts, the Supreme Court, and the subordinate judiciary, former government officials, and specialists in criminal and civil law, taxation, corporate affairs, and other pertinent areas.

ADRA's jurisdiction encompasses disputes between the government and the public, private individuals, and corporate entities. The authority will also have the power to grant licenses to experts, enabling their participation in the dispute resolution process. Any settlements reached through ADRA will be formally notified by the organization.

This initiative seeks to offer an efficient, accessible, and economical mechanism for resolving disputes, alleviating the pressure on courts grappling with a substantial backlog of cases.