1,80,989 cases settled across J&K in 3rd National Lok Adalat

Srinagar, Sep 14: A total of 1,80,989 cases were amicably settled and disposed of across Jammu and Kashmir during the 3rd National Lok Adalat.

An official spokesman in a statement issued here said that of the total 1,99,876 cases taken up by 126 benches in the day-long National Lok Adalat across J&K, 1,80,989 cases were amicably settled and disposed of involving settlement amount of Rs 58,61,39,416 paid as compensation in cases like motor accident claims, civil, criminal, labour disputes, electricity and water bills, land acquisition, family matters, cheque dishonour, and bank recovery.

In a continued pursuit of delivering timely and affordable justice, J&K Legal Services Authority, under the leadership of Justice Tashi Rabstan, Chief Justice (A), High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Patron-in-Chief and Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority and guidance of Justice Sindhu Sharma, Chairperson, High Court Legal Services Committee, organised the 3rd National Lok Adalat of the current calendar year across J&K.

This initiative aimed to foster peaceful settlements in a wide range of disputes both at the pre-institution stage as well as those pending disposal before the courts and tribunals that include motor accident claims, matrimonial issues, cheque bounce cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act, money recovery, commercial disputes, and compoundable criminal cases, reinforcing the moto of providing easy accessible justice for all.

To facilitate maximum settlements of disputes, pre-Lok Adalat sittings and pre-counselling sessions were organised well before the date of National Lok Adalat so that the parties get ample opportunity to engage in dialogue with their opponents to arrive at a consensus to resolve the dispute permanently.

Besides, webinars and virtual meetings were also organised to sensitise the stakeholders, officers of legal services institutions, LADCs, panel lawyers, PLVs and others involved in strengthening alternate dispute resolution mechanisms, regarding the importance of Lok Adalat and to persuade the parties to take maximum benefit out of it.

Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority, Amit Kumar Gupta, appreciated the efforts of all the Judicial Officers, Secretaries DLSAs, advocates, staff of the district and tehsil courts as well as legal services institutions as also litigants for their wholehearted participation in the National Lok Adalat.

He highlighted that the high participation and settlement of disputes is a testament to the public’s preference for resolving disputes through ADR mechanisms, which offer a quick and more affordable alternative to litigation.

Talking to media persons, Gupta thanked all stakeholders, particularly the litigants who participated in large numbers.

He emphasised the importance of ADR in reducing the burden on traditional courts while ensuring that justice is served efficiently.

Gupta said that those who could not settle their cases during the 3rd National Lok Adalat or take advantage of the opportunity might do so in future Lok Adalat sessions.

The success of the 3rd National Lok Adalat demonstrated the continued dedication of the J&K Legal Services Authority to ensuring that justice is accessible, timely, and amicable for all citizens of J&K.