Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
More than 23,000 cases were amicably settled or disposed of, involving settlements and compensation worth over Rs 176 crore, during the third National Lok Adalat of the year held across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, officials said.
According to the J&K Legal Services Authority (JKLSA), a total of 32,908 cases were taken up by 163 Lok Adalat benches across the Union Territory. Of these, 23,213 cases were settled or disposed of, involving a total settlement and compensation amount of Rs 1,76,22,29,397.
The day-long exercise was organised to facilitate the speedy, cost-effective and amicable resolution of disputes while improving access to justice for litigants.
The National Lok Adalat was organised by the JKLSA under the patronage of Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Patron-in-Chief of the JKLSA.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Executive Chairman of the JKLSA, led the initiative, while Justice Sanjay Dhar, Chairperson of the High Court Legal Services Committee, provided guidance for its conduct.
The Chief Justice, along with Justice Kumar, inaugurated the National Lok Adalat at the District Court Complex in Srinagar.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Bhati highlighted the importance of Lok Adalats as an accessible and conciliatory mechanism for resolving disputes.
He said the forum not only helps settle cases but also saves time, reduces litigation costs and promotes goodwill between disputing parties.
“I encourage the public to actively participate in this initiative for peaceful, timely, and amicable settlements,” he said, adding that justice through Lok Adalats strengthens the foundation of participatory and compassionate justice.
The Lok Adalat dealt with a wide range of matters, including Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) cases, matrimonial and family disputes, cheque dishonour cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act, money recovery claims, commercial disputes, civil and criminal matters, labour disputes and compoundable offences.
Cases related to electricity and water bills, land disputes and bank recoveries were also taken up and settled.
During the programme, the Chief Justice and the Executive Chairman visited various Lok Adalat benches and interacted with presiding officers, bench members, advocates and litigants. They reviewed the arrangements and witnessed the settlement of cases at different benches.
MACT compensation cheques were also distributed among eligible claimants, providing immediate financial assistance to beneficiaries.
The JKLSA said the large number of cases settled during the exercise demonstrated the effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in delivering speedy, affordable and amicable justice to litigants.
