ORDER :

ARUN MONGA, J.

1. The petitioner is before this Court, aggrieved by an order dated April 19, 2022, passed by the learned Lok Adalat. Learned SDM vide an order dated 10.02.2020 allowed a complaint filed by the SHO under Section 145 Cr.P.C. against the petitioner, leading to his filing a criminal revision petition before the learned Sessions Court, which was later referred for settlement before the Lok Adalat under The Legal Service Authorities Act, 1987.

2. The facts of the case need not be delved into, as the core issue here is whether, in a situation where a party or parties do not submit to the jurisdiction of the Lok Adalat for settlement under the provisions of The Legal Service Authorities Act, 1987, the Lok Adalat can then dismiss a case referred to it in default of appearance?

3. The answer to the question is not far to seek in view of the express provisions contained under Section 20(5) of the Act, ibid. For ready reference, the same is reproduced hereinbelow:-

“20. Cognizance of cases by Lok Adalats.-

(1) xxxx

(2) xxxx

(3) xxxx

(4) xxxx

(5) Where no award is made by the Lok Adalat on the ground that no compromise or settlement could be arrived at between the parties, the rec