Over 3.25 lakh cases resolved in first National Lok Adalat of ’25

More than 3,25,000 cases — both pre-litigative and pending —were disposed of yesterday during the first National Lok Adalat of the year, held across all 22 districts and 34 subdivisions of Haryana. Organised under the Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HALSA), the initiative provided a platform for litigants to resolve disputes swiftly through mutual settlement.

The large-scale exercise was conducted through the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs), which set up 174 Benches across the state to hear cases. The disputes taken up covered a broad spectrum, including civil suits, matrimonial conflicts, motor accident claims, bank loan recoveries, cheque-bounce cases, traffic challans and compoundable criminal offences. Additionally, more than 3,80,000 cases referred to the Permanent Lok Adalats (Public Utility Services) functioning in ADR Centres were placed before the Benches for resolution.

Punjab and Haryana High Court Judge and HALSA executive chairperson Justice Lisa Gill monitored the proceedings via videoconferencing to ensure seamless operations in all districts and subdivisions.

“The National Lok Adalat aims to provide an efficient alternative dispute resolution mechanism, allowing litigants to settle their cases amicably, thereby reducing the burden on courts.”

The awards passed by the Lok Adalats are final and binding and in cases where settlements are reached, parties are entitled to a refund of their court fees.