Vide No. MSTT/LK Adalat/B-57

Mumbai, dated 10-1-2008

Ref. – Letter address to the President, STPAM

You must be aware that now in order to reduce the pendency of litigations recourse is taken to refer such matters for amicable settlement to alternate Redressal Dispute forum like Lok Adalat. As discussed with the President and some of the office bearers, there are more than 200 Reference Applications pending out of which department has filed about 130 applications. You are also aware that for deciding the Reference Applications, it is to be seen whether substantial question of law is arised and an arguable case has been made out. It is therefore, felt that these reference applications can be referred to Lok Adalat for amicable settlement.

A panel of Lok Adalat is to be constituted consisting of 3 Members including one sitting member and two retired members. The sitting member will preside over the panel. While selecting the retired members care can be taken to avoid any sort of controversy. List of the pending Reference Applications is enclosed herewith for ready reference. I have also discussed about the said proposal with the Commissioner of Sales Tax. After conceding for settlement before the Lok Adalat, appropriate order will be passed by the concerned Bench either of disposing the Reference Application for want of prosecution or referring the appropriate question of law to the Hon’ble High Court. It is expected that about 100 matters can be disposed of in one day, if 4-5 panels are formed for holding Lok Adalat.

You are requested to consider this proposal sympathetically and confirm your willingness to enable the Tribunal to proceed for organizing such Lok Adalat.

(G. D. Parekh)
President, MSTT

Maharashtra Sales Tax, Tribunal, Mumbai Year wise Pendency of References