Once Fresh DV & CrPC Proceedings Start, Lok Adalat Award Can’t Be Enforced : J&K HC

The J&K High Court ruled that a Lok Adalat award based on compromise cannot be enforced if fresh proceedings under the Domestic Violence Act and Section 125 CrPC are initiated for the same claims.

The decision came in a plea by Tariq Wali, whose wife, after a failed reconciliation, filed new DV and CrPC petitions despite an earlier award promising ₹10 lakh for their daughter, ₹40,000 monthly maintenance, and housing.

She simultaneously sought execution of the old award, resulting in a ₹5.65 lakh recovery and levy warrant.

The Court quashed the execution, stating dual remedies can't run, but upheld the new interim maintenance.