Duty of a bench of the Gram Katchahry to bring about amicable settlement of dispute

A bench of the Gram Katchahy, while hearing a suit or trying a case under the provisions of this Act, shall after giving such notice to the parties and in such manner as it thinks fit, endeavour to bring about an amicable settlement between the parties, and for this purpose the bench shall, in such manner as it thinks fit and without delay, investigate the suit or case and all matters affecting the merits thereof and the right settlement thereof and in so doing may do all such lawful things as it thinks fit for the purpose of inducing the parties to come to a fair and amicable settlement, and where such a settlement is brought about, the bench shall record the same and give its decision accordingly.