PUNJAB ALTERNATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION ACT 2019

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THE PUNJAB ALTERNATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION ACT 
2019 
(XVII of 2019) 
CONTENTS 
1. Short title, extent and commencement 
2. Definitions 
3. Reference in civil disputes 
4. Reference in criminal disputes 
5. Power to record evidence during postponement 
6. Power to refer a case to ADR at any time 
7. Selection of ADR person 
8. Return to court 
9. Confidentiality 
10. Meaningful offer 
11. Who may perform ADR 
12. ADR proceedings 
13. Failure of ADR 
14. Judgement and Decree 
15. Appeal and revision barred 
16. Savings 
17. Application of certain laws 
18. Overriding effect 
19. Cases pending in appeal or revision 
20. Code of Conduct 
21. Accreditation Authority 
21-A.  Director General 
22. Costs and fees of ADR 
23. Power to make rules 
24. Power to amend the Schedules 
25. Removal of difficulty 
26. Repeal 
 
SCHEDULE-I 
[See section 3(1)] 
 
 
SCHEDULE-II 
[See section 3(2)]  
TEXT 
1
THE PUNJAB ALTERNATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION ACT 2019 
(XVII of 2019) 
 
[11th October, 2019] 
An 
Act 
to provide for a system of alternate dispute resolution of civil and criminal disputes. 
It is necessary to ensure inexpensive and expeditious justice by means of an alternate 
dispute resolution system. 
Be it enacted by Provincial Assembly of the Punjab as follows: 
1. Short title, extent and commencement .– (1) This Act may be cited as the 
Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution Act 2019. 
(2)  It shall extend to whole of the Punjab. 
(3)  It shall come into force on such date as the Government may, by 
notification in the official Gazette, appoint and different dates may be so appointed for 
different areas of the Punjab. 
2.  Definitions.– In this Act: 
(a) “Act” means the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution Act 2019; 
(b) “Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)” means a process in which parties’ 
resort to resolving a dispute, other than through adjudication by courts, 
and includes, but is not limited to, mediation, conciliation and evaluation; 
2[(c) “ADR service provider or ADR center” means ADR service provider or 
ADR center accredited under the Act;] 
(d) ‘ADR person’ means a person who may undertake ADR under section 
11 of the Act; 
3[(dd) “Authority” means the accreditation Authority notified under section 21 
of the Act;] 
4[(ddd) “Chairperson” means the Chairperson of the Authority;] 
(e) “Code” means the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (V of 1898) 5[or, as 
the case may be, Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (V of 1908);] 
                                                 
1This Act was passed by the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab on 19 September 2019; assented to by the Governor of the 
Punjab on 10 October 2019; and, was published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 11 October 2019, pp.1191-1195. 
2Substituted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023), published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.2. 
3Added by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.2. 
4Inserted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.2. 
5Inserted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Ga zette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.2. 
6[* *                               *                               *                               *                               *                               *                               *                               *                               *                               *                               *                               *                               *                               *                             *   ]  
(g) ‘court’ means a criminal court or a civil court having original jurisdiction 
under any law for the time being in force. 
7[(gg) “Director General” means the Director General of the Authority;] 
(h) “Government” means Government of the Punjab; 
8[* *                               *                               *                               *                               *                               *                               *                               *                               *                               *                               *                               *                               *                               *                             * ] 
(j) “prescribed” means prescribed by the rules made under the Act; 
(k) “rules” means the rules made under the Act; and 
(l) “settlement” means the agreement reached between the parties as a 
result of successful ADR. 
3. Reference in civil disputes .– (1) A court shall refer a case mentioned in 
Schedule I of the Act to ADR within thirty days of 9[from the date of filing of written 
statement by the defendant]. 
 (2)  A trial court may refer a case mentioned in Schedule II of the Act to ADR 
10[person] at any time or stage where it is of the view that the case is likely to be 
resolved through ADR. 
(3)  The court prior to referring the case to ADR  11[person] shall ask the 
parties their opinion as to the referral, and where a reference is made to ADR 12[person] 
with the consent of the parties, the court may formulate the points in issue. 
(4)  In every case where a reference is made to ADR  13[person], the court 
shall provide a time table for completion of ADR proceedings not exceeding 60 days: 
Provided that the court on the application of both the parties, may extend the 
time granted for resolution of the case through ADR.  
Provided further that the total time granted for completion of ADR proceedings 
shall not exceed 14[120 days] in any case. 
(5) The trial of a case referred to ADR 15[person] shall be postponed till the 
completion of the time allotted for ADR proceedings under subsection (4). 
                                                 
6Omitted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.2. 
7Inserted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.2. 
8Omitted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 ( III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.2. 
9Substituted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.3. 
10Inserted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.3. 
11Inserted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.3. 
12Inserted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the P unjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.3. 
13Inserted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.3. 
14Substituted for the words “6 months” by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 2023 (III of 2023), published 
in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.3. 
15Inserted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.3. 
4.  Reference in criminal disputes .– (1) A court shall refer a case falling under 
section 345(1) of the Code to ADR 16[person] as follows: 
(a) in a case arising out of a police report:  
(i) on the application by the concerned public prosecutor with the 
consent of the complainant at any time before framing of the 
charge; or 
(ii) on its own within seven days of the framing of the   charge; 
(b) in a case arising out of a complaint, on its own, within seven days of the 
summoning of the accused 
 (2) A court may refer a case falling under section 345(2) of the Code to ADR 
17[person] as follows: 
(a) in a case arising out of a police report, with the agreement of the 
public prosecutor concerned, at any time after framing of charge 
(b) in cases arising out of a complaint, with the 18[consent] of the 
parties to the case, at any time after framing of the charge 
(3)  In every case where a reference is made to ADR 19[person] under this 
section, the court shall provide a time period for completion of the ADR proceedings 
not exceeding 20[sixty] days: 
 Provided that the court may, on application of the parties to the case, extend 
the said time for a further period of 21[sixty] days. 
(4) The court which makes a referral to ADR 22[person] under subsection (1) 
shall postpone the trial of the case till the completion of the time allotted for ADR 
proceedings under subsection (3) unless there are compelling reasons to proceed with 
the trial. 
(5) A court which makes a referral under subsection (2) shall proceed with 
the trial in the manner provided by the Code. 
5.  Power to record evidence during postponement .– (1) Nothing in section 3 
or 4 shall prohibit or restrain the court from recording evidence which is likely to 
become unavailable due to postponement of trial. 
 (2) The court may order the recording of evidence of such person on its own 
or on the application of any party to the trial including the public prosecutor. 
                                                 
16Inserted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Ga zette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.4. 
17Inserted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.4. 
18Substituted for the word “agreement” by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 2023 (III of 2023), published 
in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.4. 
19Inserted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Reso lution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.4. 
20Substituted for the word “ninety” by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 2023 (III of 2023), published in 
the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.4. 
21Substituted for the word “ninety” by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 2023 (III of 2023), published in 
the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.4. 
22Inserted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.4. 
6.  Power to refer a case to ADR 23[person] at any time.– (1) Nothing in section 
3 or 4 shall prohibit or restrain a court from referring a case to ADR 24[person] at any 
stage of the case with the consent of the parties. 
 (2)  Where a referral is made under sub section (1), the court may if it thinks 
fit: 
(a) fix a time period for completion of ADR; and 
(b) postpone the trial during the period given for completion  of ADR 
proceedings. 
7.  Selection of ADR person.– 25[(1) The parties to the case may, with their mutual 
consent, select ADR person who shall undertake ADR.] 
(2)  Where the parties are unable to agree on one or more persons for 
conduct of ADR proceedings, the court shall provide a list of accredited ADR service 
providers 26[and] ADR centers to the parties for selection.  
(3)  Where the parties are unable to arrive at  a common decision, the court 
shall make a reference to an accredited ADR service provider or ADR center in the 
prescribed manner.  
27[8.                                   Return to court.- (1)  A case referred to ADR person shall be returned to 
the court o n completion of ADR proceedings or on the expiry of the time provided 
under section 3 or 4 of the Act, whichever is earlier, in such manner as may be 
prescribed. 
                                              (2)   An ADR service provider or an ADR center or ADR person shall retain a 
copy of the settlement, award or agreement, notices and any other document or 
correspondence made in writing during the ADR proceedings.] 
9.  Confidentiality.– Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the 
time being in force, the person performing ADR and the parties taking part in the ADR 
proceedings shall keep all matters confidential relating to such proceedings. 
10.  Meaningful offer .– Where a meaningful offer  is made by a party to a civil 
dispute and is rejected by the other, the party which rejects the offer shall not be 
entitled to costs for the suit and the other party shall be entitled to costs. 
Explanation: A ‘meaningful offer’ is an offer which is substantially the same as 
the decree or order of the court. 
11.  Who may perform ADR.– (1) ADR under this Act may be undertaken by:  
(a) parties directly; 
                                                 
23Inserted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.5. 
24Inserted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.5. 
25Substituted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023), published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.6. 
26Substituted for the word “or” by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 2023 (III of 2023), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.6. 
27Substituted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 2023 (III of 2023), published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.7. 
(b) 28[counsels] of parties; 
                         29
[
30
[(c)                       mediator judge to be nominated by the Lahore High Court;]] 
 (d)       an accredited ADR service provider; and 
 (e)      an accredited ADR center. 
(2)  An ADR center shall not be accredited unless it is registered under the 
Companies Act, 2017 (XIX of 2017) 
(3)  An ADR Center and an ADR 31[service] provider shall be accredited in 
the prescribed manner. 
12.  ADR proceedings.– (1) The parties to the dispute may take part in the ADR 
proceedings in person, through authorized agents or attorneys.  
(2) An attorney who has acted for a party in an ADR proceedings shall not 
represent 32[other] party in the case with regard to the same matter. 
13.  Failure of ADR.– Where a matter has not been resolved or cannot be resolved 
through ADR on referral, the court shall proceed to adjudicate the dispute or remaining 
dispute in accordance with law.  
14.  Judgement and Decree.– (1) When the outcome of the ADR is returned to the 
court and the court finds that the matter has been completely or partially resolved in 
accordance with law, the court shall pronounce judgment and in case of a civil dispute 
pass a decree in terms of the settlement. 
(2)  Where the outcome of ADR is not  clear, the court may ask the ADR 
person to provide the requisite clarification. 
15.  Appeal and revision barred .– (1) No revision or appeal shall lie from the 
decree or order of the court under this Act 33[*****]. 
34[* *                                             *                                              *                                             *                                             *                                             *                                              *                                             *                                               *                                              *                                            * ] 
16.  Savings.– (1) Save as provided in the Act, the ADR proceedings shall be 
privileged and shall not be admissible in evidence before any court without consent of 
the parties and the person undertaking ADR shall not be required to appear as a 
witness or otherwise in any arbitral or judicial proceedings with respect to the dispute 
that is or has been the subject matter of the ADR but the final settlement, award or 
                                                 
28Substituted for the word “counsel” by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 2023 (III of 2023), published in 
the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.8. 
29Omitted the “clause (c)” by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3  (III of 202 3), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.8. 
30Inserted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 2025 (III of 2025), published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 29 January 2025, p. 2681, s.2(c). 
31Substituted for the word “services” by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 2023 (III of 2023), published 
in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.8. 
32Substituted for the word “another” by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 2023 (III of 2023), published in 
the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.9. 
33Omitted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 2023 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.10. 
34Omitted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.10. 
agreement, wholly or partly, between the parties shall be admissible in evidence in 
any subsequent proceedings between them relating to the same subject matter. 
 (2) The ADR person shall not act as an agent or attorney of any party to the 
ADR, in any subsequent proceedings with respect to a dispute that is or has been the 
subject matter of the ADR. 
 (3) No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against an ADR 
person or any other person connected with the ADR proceedings for anything which 
is done or intended to be done in good faith under the Act except where the ADR 
person allowed or ordered the commission of an offence in retaliation of an offence 
which was the subject of ADR proceedings before him. 
17. Application of certain laws.– (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act the Oaths 
Act, 1873 (X of 1873) and the rules made thereunder shall apply  mutatis mutandis to 
the proceedings under the Act. 
 (2)  Save as provided in the Act, the Qanun-e-Shahadat 35[*****], 1984 (P.O. 
No. 10 of 1984) shall not apply to the ADR proceedings under the Act:  
Provided that the ADR person may adhere to principles of evidence contained 
in the Qanun-e-Shahadat 36[*****], 1984. 
18.  Overriding effect.– The provisions of the Act shall have effect notwithstanding 
anything contained in any other law for the time being in force. 
19.  Cases pending in appeal or revision.– The provision of the Act shall, with the 
consent of the parties, apply mutatis mutandis to a dispute pending adjudication in an 
appeal or revision. 
20.  Code of Conduct.– (1) The Government shall prescribe a Code of Conduct for 
ADR service providers and ADR centers accredited under this Act. 
(2)  An ADR service provider and an ADR center shall comply with and act 
in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Conduct. 
(3)  An ADR service provider or an ADR center who commits a violation of 
the Code of Conduct shall be removed from the list of accredited service providers or 
centers by the prescribed authority. 
37[21.      Authority.- (1) The Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department of the 
Government shall, through a notification to be published in the official Gazette, 
notify the following Authority: 
(a) a retired judge of the Lahore High Court 
recommended by the Chief Justice, Lahore High 
Court; 
Chairperson 
(b) Secretary to the Government, Law and 
Parliamentary Affairs Department or his nominee 
not below the rank of Additional 
Secretary/Director; 
Member 
                                                 
35Omitted the word “Order” by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.11. 
36Omitted the word “Order” by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.11. 
37Substituted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 2023 (III of 2023), published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.12. 
(c) Secretary to the Government, Finance 
Department or his nominee not below the rank of 
Additional Secretary; 
Member 
(d) Secretary to the Government, Public Prosecution 
Department or his nominee not below the rank of 
Additional Secretary;  
Member 
(e) six experts each from Law, Engineering, 
Accounting, Banking, Audit and Finance 38[out of 
which expert from Law shall be nominated by the 
Chief Justice, Lahore High Court while other 
experts shall be nominated by the Chief Minister]; 
and  
Members 
(f) Director General. Member/ 
Secretary 
(2)       The Chairperson shall serve for a period of three years from the date 
of notification under subsection (1). 
(3)       The Chairperson shall be entitled to such perks and privileges as may 
be determined by the Government, but such perks and privileges shall not be less 
than those which had lastly been drawn by the incumbent at the time of his 
retirement. 
(4)       The non -official members, provided at clause (e) of subsection 1, 
shall be appointed for a period of two years and entitled to such perks and privileges 
as may be determined by the Government. 
(5)       The Chief Minister may, at any time, subject to such reasons and in 
such manner as may be prescribed, remove the Chairperson and the members 
provided at clauses (e) and (f) of subsect ion (1) after consulting the Chief Justice, 
Lahore High Court. 
(6)        If any vacancy occurs in the office of the Chairperson or the members 
provided at clauses (e) and (f) of subsection (1) due to resignation, removal or any 
other reason, the Chairperson and the members provided at clauses (e) and (f) of 
subsection (1) shall be appointed for the remaining period. 
(7)        The quorum for a meeting of the Authority shall be five members 
including the Chairperson unless the Chairperson decides otherwise. 
(8)        The Government shall provide requisite funds to the Authority to 
perform its functions under the Act and the rules. 
(9)        The recruitment of the employees of the Authority shall be made on 
such terms and conditions as may be prescribed.  
(10)     The Authority shall accredit ADR service providers and ADR centers 
in such manner and on payment of such fee as may be prescribed.] 
                                                 
38Substituted for the words “recommended by the Chief Justice, Lahore High Court” by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution 
(Amendment) Act 2025 (III of 2025), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 29 January 2025, p. 2681, s.3. 
39[21-A.      Director General .- 40[(1) The Chief Minister shall appoint Director 
General of the Authority from amongst the officers of Pakistan Administrative 
Service, retired in BPS 20 or above, or from amongst the retired District and 
Sessions Judges, for a period of two years.] 
                (2)     The Director General shall be entitled to such perks and priv ileges 
as may be determined by the Government, 41[*                 *                       *].  
                (3)      The Director General shall also be the Secretary of the Authority 
and shall perform such functions as may be assigned to him by the Chairperson or 
the Authority, or as may be prescribed.] 
22.  Costs and fees of ADR .– The costs and fees of the ADR proceeding, if 
required, shall be borne by the parties in such proportion as may be mutually agreed 
upon by them failing which it shall be determined by the 42[court]. 
23.  Power to make rules.– (1) The Government may, by notification in the official 
Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of the Act. 
 (2)  Notwithstanding the generality of subsection (1), the Government may 
make rules: 
(a) to provide for ethical conduct in the provision of ADR services by 
licensed ADR service providers and ADR centers; 
(b) to provide for accreditation of licensed ADR service providers;  
(c) to provide for documentation of decisions; and 
(d) to provide for procedures to be adopted during ADR proceedings. 
24.  Power to amend the Schedules .– The Government may 43[*****] amend the 
schedules to the Act, from time to time, so as to add an entry thereto or omit therefrom 
or modify any entry therein. 
44[24-A. Public servants.– The Chairperson, the non -official members, the Director 
General and employees  of the Authority acting or purporting to act in pursuance of 
any provision of the Act, shall be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of 
section 21 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (XLV of 1860).] 
                                                 
39Inserted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.13. 
40Substituted the by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 2025 (III of 2025), published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 29 January 2025, p. 2681, s.4(a). 
41Omitted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 5 (III of 2025 ), published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 29 January 2025, p. 2681, s.4(b). 
42Substituted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 2023 (III of 2023), published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.14. 
43Omitted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Ga zette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.15. 
44Inserted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.16. 
25.  Removal of difficulty.– If any difficulty arises in giving effect to any provision 
of the Act, the Government may  45[*****] make such order not inconsistent with the 
provisions of the Act as may be necessary to remove the difficulty. 
26. Repeal.– Subject to the provisions of section 19 of the Act, section 89-A of the 
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (V of 1908) and clause (iii), Rule 1A, Order X in the 
First Schedule to that Code, to the extent of the Punjab, are hereby repealed. 
  
                                                 
45Omitted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.17. 
SCHEDULE-I 
[See section 3(1)] 
(1) A dispute between a landlord and tenant under the Punjab Rented Premises 
Act, 2009 (VII of 2009). 
(2) Dispute involving pre-emption under the Punjab Pre -Emption Act, 1991 (IX of 
1991). 
(3) Disputes relating to 46[ownership and] possession of immovable property.  
(4) Family disputes including guardianship and custody of minor children. 
(5) Dispute arising out of enforcement of commercial contracts except those that 
in fall in schedule II. 
(6) Suits for specific performance of contracts except those that fall in schedule II. 
(7) Disputes arising out of negotiable instruments under the Negotiable 
Instruments Act, 1881 (XXVI of 1881) except those that fall in schedule II. 
(8) Suits arising out of Tort except those that fall in schedule II. 
(9) Dispute for recovery of movable property or value thereof. 
(10) Dispute for separate possession of joint immovable property through partition 
or otherwise including claims for mesne profits. 
(11) Disputes for rendition of accounts of joint property. 
(12) Disputes to remove nuisance. 
(13) Disputes involving recovery of money. 
(14) Cases relating to inheritance including declaration and succession. 
 
SCHEDULE-II 
[See section 3(2)] 
(1) Disputes relating to ownership of immoveable property. 
(2) Disputes relating to professional negligence under To rt and those under the 
Punjab Consumer Protection Act, 2005 (II of 2005). 
(3) Suits under the Banking Companies Ordinance, 1962 (LVII of 1962). 
(4) Disputes involving copy rights and patents under the Copyright Ordinance, 
1962 (XXXIV of 1962) and the Patents Ordin ance, 2000 (LXI of 2000) 
respectively. 
(5) Disputes involving trademarks under the Trademarks Ordinance, 2001 (XIX of 
2001). 
(6) Suits for redemption of mortgaged property under the Transfer of Property Act, 
1882 (IV of 1882). 
(7) Cases relating to Waqf and Trusts under the relevant laws for the time being in 
force. 
                                                 
46Inserted by the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Act 202 3 (III of 2023) , published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 03 February 2023, pp. 3743-3746, s.18.