National Lok Adalats Clear Massive Backlog, Settling Millions of Cases Nationwide
In a major nationwide drive to reduce judicial pendency, National Lok Adalats settled millions of cases in a single day. In Telangana alone, over 1.1 million pending and pre-litigation cases were resolved, awarding ₹595 crore in compensation. Similarly, Andhra Pradesh settled over 60,000 cases with ₹109 crore in compensation. The initiative provides an efficient mechanism for resolving disputes, significantly easing the burden on India's formal court system and providing swift justice to countless citizens.
Unpacked:
A Lok Adalat is an alternative dispute resolution forum in India, created under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, to settle pending or pre-litigation cases through compromise. Unlike regular courts, its proceedings are informal, decisions are binding and final, and there is no appeal, though dissatisfied parties may still approach the courts for fresh litigation.
Lok Adalats mainly resolve civil cases, including matrimonial and family disputes, money claims, and compoundable criminal cases. They are especially effective for cases where a settlement can be reached through negotiation and compromise.
Lok Adalats were introduced to reduce the burden on overworked courts, provide speedy and accessible justice, and offer a cost-effective way for citizens—especially the underprivileged—to resolve disputes outside the formal judicial system.
Decisions (awards) of Lok Adalats are legally binding and enforceable, with no provision for a formal appeal. However, if parties are dissatisfied, they may initiate new litigation in the appropriate court.