SHANKAR LAL SHARMA versus RAJESH KOOLWAL & ORS.

SHANKAR LAL SHARMA versus RAJESH KOOLWAL & ORS.

Given the petitioner's advanced age, limited means and the representations made by the parties and Amicus Curiae, the Court directed a monetary settlement of Rs.20,00,000 as full and final settlement of all claims, ordered payment of Rs.1,00,000 to the Amicus Curiae as appreciation, and held that advocates should volunteer to assist indigent litigants to enhance access to justice.

Parties
Petitioner: Shankar Lal Sharma; Amicus Curiae: Sanchar Anand; Respondent: Rajesh Koolwal & Ors.
Jurisdiction
India
Judgment Date
29 January 2025
Procedural Posture
Special Leave Petition (c) No. 17157 of 2022 / Disposed by Supreme Court
Outcome
Special Leave Petition disposed of
Legal Topics
Role of Advocates, Indigent Litigant, Amicus Curiae, Settlement, Mediation, Conciliation, Right to Justice
Constitutional Law Legal Profession Access to Justice Role of Advocates Indigent Litigant Amicus Curiae Settlement Mediation +2 more

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Parties

Shankar Lal Sharma

Petitioner

Sanchar Anand

Amicus Curiae

Rajesh Koolwal & Ors.

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Special Leave Petition (c) No. 17157 of 2022 / Disposed by Supreme Court

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Role of advocates in assisting indigent litigants and assisting the court
  2. 2 Whether court-facilitated settlement and payment in full and final settlement is appropriate
  3. 3 Ensuring ease of access to justice for litigants of limited means

Ratio Decidendi

Given the petitioner's advanced age, limited means and the representations made by the parties and Amicus Curiae, the Court directed a monetary settlement of Rs.20,00,000 as full and final settlement of all claims, ordered payment of Rs.1,00,000 to the Amicus Curiae as appreciation, and held that advocates should volunteer to assist indigent litigants to enhance access to justice.

Court Disposition

Special Leave Petition disposed of

Orders

  • Respondent-Company to pay Rs.20,00,000 (Rupees Twenty Lakhs only) to the petitioner in full and final settlement of all claims.
  • The amount of Rs.20,00,000 shall be paid within three weeks from the date of availability of this order by way of Demand Draft in the name of the petitioner to be handed over to Sri Sanchar Anand, learned counsel acting as Amicus Curiae.