Response

Lok adalat is completely a voluntary process. If you do not wish to attend it, there is no complusion. You can proceed with the existing case from the stage where you had left off. You can also get the matter referred to mediation with the consent of the other side. mediation, again is completely voluntary and no settlement has to be arrived at compulsorily.

Lok adalath is formed for providing speedy justice to the public who have cases before court. You have to attend with your advocate and respect the court first no letter of your will be entertained. In the absence of any party or his advocate may leads to ex parte order. If settlement fails between the parties at lok adalath then it will be referred back to the court for adjudication.

Lok Adalat (People’s Court) is one of the Alternative dispute resolution mechanism in India, it is a forum where cases pending on panchayat or at pre litigation stage in a court of law are settled. They have been given statutory status under the Legal Services Authorities Act
Just attend the Lok Adalat and say your side problem about maintenance

A Lok Adalat may invite the parties to meet it or may communicate with it orally or in writing and it may meet or communicate with the parties together or with each of them separately. The factual information concerning the dispute received from a party may be disclosed to the other party in order that the other party may have the opportunity to present any explanation :
Provided that the Lok Adalat shall not disclose any information, if one of the party desires to keep it confidential.
(2) Each party may on its own initiative or at the invitation of the Lok Adalat, submit suggestions for settlement of the dispute.
(3) When it appears to the Lok Adalat that there exists elements of a settlement which may be acceptable to the parties; the terms of a possible settlement may be formulated by the Lok Adalat and given to the parties for their observations and modifications, if any, suggested by the parties can be taken into consideration and terms of a possible settlement may be re-formulated by the Lok Adalat.
(4) If the parties reach a compromise or settlement of the dispute, the Lok Adalat may draw up or assist the parties in drawing up the terms of such compromise or settlement.

Reference:

2021001320210012972

LAWAYZ-2023-812