HP Lok Adalat ensures settlements worth Rs 162.5 cr, resolves 87,914 cases

The Himachal Pradesh rewrote its legal records by taking up 1,42,607 cases, resolving 87,914 matters and ensuring settlements worth Rs 162.5 crore as the National Lok Adalat turned into a mass settlement drive unlike any the state had seen before.

The exercise, held under the guidance of Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman of NALSA, and the supervision of Chief Justice G S Sandhawalia, was part of a nationwide initiative of the National Legal Services Authority.

Justice Vivek Singh Thakur, senior most judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, and the Executive Chairman of Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority actively participated in the adalat.

Motor Vehicle Act disputes dominated the docket, setting their own highs with 1,22,608 cases taken up, 78,223 resolved, and Rs 5.65 crore awarded.

Yet, beyond the avalanche of figures, it was the human stories that stood out.

In one case, a widow clutching her teenage son’s hand broke into tears as she received a settlement cheque in a motor accident claim. “Now at least my child’s future is secure,” she said softly, drawing quiet nods from the judges.

From civil and matrimonial disputes to property, banking and insurance-related matters, thousands walked away with closure. Banks, insurance companies, government departments and the public joined hands in overwhelming numbers, ensuring disputes long stuck in files were finally put to rest.

Officials said the day’s success not only cleared backlogs, but gave living meaning to Article 39A of the Constitution, which promises equal access to justice.