STATE OF PUNJAB vs MOHINDERJIT KAUR

The Supreme Court held that the Punjab and Haryana High Court improperly relied on a prior decision in State of Punjab and Ors. v. Phulan Rani and Anr. while adjudicating a family pension claim, as the earlier case was disposed of at a Lok Adalat, which is not appropriate for such matters under Section 20 of the Legal Services Authorities Act. The Court emphasized that cases suitable for Lok Adalat must meet specific criteria, and the High Court's decision was set aside, reinforcing the need for proper judicial process in pension claims.