B.P.MOIDEEN SEVAMANDIR vs A.M.KUTTY HASSAN

The Supreme Court emphasized that Lok Adalats, as per the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, serve purely conciliatory functions and lack adjudicatory powers. The Court held that dismissing an appeal for default due to the absence of counsel, despite prior settlement efforts at the Lok Adalat, was inappropriate. The Court set aside the High Court's orders dated 19.8.2008 and 29.8.2008, reinforcing the need for adherence to the conciliatory nature of Lok Adalats in dispute resolution.