Pune: In a remarkable display of judicial sensitivity, a district judge in Pune went the extra mile—literally—to ensure justice was delivered to a disabled farm laborer. During the National Lok Adalat at Shivajinagar District Court on Saturday (March 22), Judge B.P. Kshirsagar stepped down two floors to hear the case of a woman who had been unable to reach the courtroom due to her severe injuries. The woman, Sunita Anil Gaikwad, was ultimately awarded ₹15 lakh in compensation for the accident that had left her disabled.
The case dates back to September 2021, when Sunita Gaikwad, a farm laborer, was crossing the road near Mai Mangeshkar Hospital in Warje. A speeding car struck her, resulting in serious spinal injuries that led to permanent disability. Seeking financial compensation for her injuries and loss of livelihood, Gaikwad filed a claim through Advocate Smita Padole with the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT).
During the National Lok Adalat proceedings, her case was scheduled for hearing before a panel consisting of District and Sessions Judge B.P. Kshirsagar and Advocate Atul Gunjal. However, when Gaikwad arrived at the court premises in an auto-rickshaw, she found herself unable to ascend the two floors to the hearing room due to her physical condition.
Understanding her plight, Judge Kshirsagar, along with panel judge Advocate Atul Gunjal, made an exceptional decision—descending two floors to hear the case. They met Gaikwad outside the court building while she remained in the rickshaw. The judges personally inquired about her condition, ensuring she had the opportunity to present her case despite her physical limitations.
With legal representation from Advocate Smita Padole, along with the assistance of Advocates Sheetal Shinde and Sneha Bhosale, Gaikwad’s plea was formally presented before the panel. After careful consideration, the judge ruled in favor of the victim, securing a compensation amount of ₹15 lakh.