PHAGWARA: In a commendable demonstration of judicial empathy and leadership, Priya Sood, Hon’ble District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), SBS Nagar, played a pivotal role in facilitating the reunion of a long-separated couple during the National Lok Adalat held on Saturday.
Organized under the directive of the National Legal Services Authority and the Punjab State Legal Services Authority, the Lok Adalat aimed to promote alternative dispute resolution and reduce the burden on traditional courts. The session, conducted at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, was marked by the effective resolution of several cases, with one particular family dispute capturing widespread attention.
The case involved Narinderjit Dhir and Neelam Rani, a married couple who had been living separately for an extended period. Under the direct supervision and guidance of Judge Priya Sood, the DLSA team engaged both parties in a process of empathetic dialogue and legal counseling. Judge Sood’s leadership set the tone for a constructive environment that encouraged mutual understanding and reconciliation.
Supporting the initiative were Hon’ble Principal Judge of the Family Court, Baljinder Singh Maan, and Hon’ble Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, DLSA SBS Nagar, Dr. Amandeep.
Together, they helped the couple recognize the emotional and legal benefits of an amicable settlement through the Lok Adalat platform.
Thanks to their collaborative efforts, and with Judge Sood’s unwavering commitment to restorative justice, both Narinderjit Dhir and Neelam Rani agreed to resume their marital life. The case was officially resolved with mutual consent and recorded as a success under the National Lok Adalat proceedings.
Narinderjit Dhir, expressing deep gratitude, credited the DLSA and especially Judge Priya Sood for their instrumental role in bringing the couple back together. Family members echoed this sentiment, applauding the initiative as a model for compassionate conflict resolution.
The successful outcome not only underscores the effectiveness of the National Lok Adalat framework but also exemplifies Judge Priya Sood’s dedication to accessible, humane, and timely justice. Under her stewardship, the DLSA, SBS Nagar continues to serve as a beacon of legal support and social healing.