Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority on Saturday organised the Second National Lok Adalat of 2026 across the Union Territory to facilitate speedy, cost-effective and amicable settlement of disputes through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
The National Lok Adalat was organised under the patronage of Justice Arun Palli, Patron-in-Chief of the J&K Legal Services Authority, under the leadership of Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Executive Chairman of the J&K Legal Services Authority, and under the guidance of Justice Sanjay Dhar.
The Lok Adalat covered a wide range of matters including Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) cases, matrimonial disputes, cheque bounce cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act, money recovery matters, commercial disputes and compoundable criminal offences.
To facilitate effective settlements, pre-Lok Adalat counselling sessions and sittings were organised in advance by various Legal Services Institutions across Jammu and Kashmir. Awareness programmes, coordination meetings and sensitisation sessions were also conducted to encourage litigants to avail the benefits of Lok Adalats.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar inaugurated the National Lok Adalat at the District Court Complex Srinagar.
On his arrival, he was received by Haq Nawaz Zargar, Chairperson DLSA Srinagar; Shazia Tabassum; Tasleem Arief, Special Judge Anti-Corruption Srinagar; Tabasum Qadir Parray, Secretary DLSA Srinagar; and other judicial officers.
During the visit, Justice Sanjeev Kumar inspected various benches constituted for the Lok Adalat and interacted with presiding officers, advocates and litigants. He appreciated the arrangements made for smooth conduct of the proceedings and encouraged amicable settlement of disputes.
Several disputes were resolved on the spot through mutual settlement, while compensation cheques under MACT cases were also distributed among beneficiaries.
According to data received from Legal Services Institutions across the Union Territory, a total of 89,222 cases were taken up by 180 benches during the day-long National Lok Adalat, out of which 83,623 cases were amicably settled.
An amount of ₹42,09,04,185 was awarded as compensation and settlement amount in various matters, including motor accident claims, civil and criminal disputes, labour matters, electricity and water bill disputes, land acquisition cases, family disputes, cheque dishonour cases and bank recovery matters.
While interacting with judicial officers and stakeholders, Justice Sanjeev Kumar appreciated the efforts of judicial officers, District Legal Services Authorities, advocates, Legal Aid Defence Counsels, Para Legal Volunteers, court staff and other stakeholders for ensuring the success of the Lok Adalat.
Highlighting the significance of Lok Adalats, he said these platforms provide an effective mechanism for amicable and speedy settlement of disputes while also reducing pendency in courts and strengthening the justice delivery system.
He urged litigants to make maximum use of such initiatives for resolving disputes through consensus.
Speaking on the occasion, Shazia Tabassum appreciated the coordinated efforts of all District Legal Services Authorities and other legal service institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
She reiterated that the J&K Legal Services Authority would continue to strengthen alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to ensure justice reaches the doorsteps of people, especially marginalised and underprivileged sections of society.
She also informed that the Third National Lok Adalat of the current calendar year will be held on September 12, 2026, and urged litigants who could not settle their matters in the present Lok Adalat to avail the next opportunity.
The Member Secretary further said that, apart from National Lok Adalats, several focused dispute resolution initiatives are also being undertaken, including “Samadhan Samaroh” for suitable cases pending before the Supreme Court of India, which commenced on April 21 and will culminate in a Special Lok Adalat scheduled for August 21, 22 and 23, 2026.
She added that Special Lok Adalats for cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act, particularly cheque dishonour matters, will also be held on July 18 and November 21, 2026.
