National Lok Adalat Clears Over 2.1 Crore Cases, Settlements Worth ₹13,589 Crore

More than 2.10 crore cases were settled across the country during the third National Lok Adalat of the year, offering thousands of litigants a faster alternative to lengthy court battles.

Organised by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), the nationwide exercise was held across 26 states and seven Union Territories, with Lok Adalat benches functioning from high courts to taluka-level courts. Judicial officers, lawyers, para-legal volunteers and litigants took part in the proceedings, where disputes were resolved through mutual agreement rather than prolonged litigation.

Provisional figures compiled up to 7 pm showed that 2,10,39,112 cases had been settled. The figure does not include data from Karnataka, Rajasthan and Delhi, where the Lok Adalat exercises are scheduled for September 19, October 10 and October 25 respectively. Data from some other jurisdictions was also awaited.

A large share of the settlements involved pre-litigation disputes, with 1,90,75,743 such matters being resolved before they formally reached court. Another 19,63,369 pending court cases were settled during the exercise. The combined value of the settlements stood at ₹13,589.28 crore.

The cases covered a wide range of everyday disputes, including cheque bounce matters, motor accident claims, matrimonial and labour disputes, consumer complaints, land acquisition and succession cases. Traffic challans, bank recovery cases, service matters, revenue disputes and public utility grievances were also taken up. Some long-pending matters identified through the National Judicial Data Grid were given priority.

Chief Justice of India and NALSA Patron-in-Chief Justice Surya Kant said access to justice should reach every citizen as a practical reality and encouraged people to use Lok Adalats as a simpler and quicker way of resolving disputes.

NALSA Executive Chairman Justice Vikram Nath said the mechanism helps reduce court pendency while allowing parties to reach mutually acceptable outcomes and avoid the cost and delay of prolonged litigation.

Lok Adalat awards have the force of a court decree, are final and cannot be appealed. Litigants are also entitled to a refund of court fees already paid.