399 LOK ADALAT BENCHES CONSTITUTED
OVER 4.5 LAKH CASES SETTLED; AWARDS OF RS.917.55 CRORE PASSED
LOK ADALAT – A PATHWAY TO SPEEDY AND AMICABLE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Chandigarh, May 9:
Punjab State Legal Services Authority successfully organized the 1st National Lok Adalat of the year 2026 today across the State of Punjab under the patronage of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice, Punjab & Haryana High Court and under visionary leadership of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court and Executive Chairman, Punjab State Legal Services Authority.
Held under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority, the mega initiative aimed at facilitating speedy, cost-effective and amicable settlement of disputes, thereby advancing access to justice in line with Article 39-A of the Constitution of India.
The Lok Adalat recorded active participation from litigants, judicial officers, advocates and allied stakeholders. A broad range of cases including civil, matrimonial, property, motor accident claims, banking, insurance and other compoundable matters were taken up and settled through conciliation and mutual consent. The exercise brought instant relief to litigants and also contributed significantly to the reduction of pendency of cases in courts.
A total of 399 Lok Adalat Benches were constituted across all Districts and Sub-Divisions of the State. As many as 5,25,137 cases were taken up, out of which 4,68,633 cases were settled amicably and awards amounting to Rs.917.55 cr. were passed.
The National Lok Adalat enabled thousands of litigants across Punjab to resolve disputes within a short span. Several long-pending matters, including disputes spanning over a decade, were successfully settled, leading to substantial decongestion of court dockets.
The Courts witnessed an overwhelming response from Banking Institutions, Insurance Companies, Government Departments, and the general public, reflecting the growing faith in the Lok Adalat mechanism.
On this occasion, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra, Executive Chairman, Punjab State Legal Services Authority, appreciated the dedicated efforts of Judicial Officers, District Legal Services Authorities and volunteers across the State, whose collective commitment ensured the successful conduct of this mega event.
Punjab State Legal Services Authority also extends its deep gratitude to the Hon’ble High Court of Punjab and Haryana, all District Legal Services Authorities, the State Judiciary, Members of the Bar, Police Authorities and the Civil Administration for their invaluable support and cooperation.
