Second National Lok Adalat 2026 Held Across J&K; Over 83,000 Cases Settled
Srinagar, May 09 (PTK): The second National Lok Adalat of 2026 was organised across Jammu and Kashmir by the Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority with the aim of providing swift, cost-effective and efficient dispute resolution to litigants.
The initiative was conducted under the patronage of Arun Palli, Patron-in-Chief of the J&K Legal Services Authority, and under the leadership of Sanjeev Kumar.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar inaugurated the National Lok Adalat at the District Court Complex in Srinagar, where he was received by Principal District and Sessions Judge Srinagar Haq Nawaz Zargar, Member Secretary J&K Legal Services Authority Shazia Tabassum and other judicial officers.
The Lok Adalat dealt with a wide range of disputes including MACT claims, matrimonial matters, cheque bounce cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, money recovery matters, commercial disputes and compoundable criminal offences.
To facilitate amicable settlements, pre-Lok Adalat counselling sessions and awareness programmes were organised across the Union Territory in advance.
During his visit, Justice Sanjeev Kumar inspected various benches, interacted with judicial officers, advocates and litigants and appreciated the arrangements made for smooth conduct of the proceedings. Several disputes were settled amicably on the spot, and compensation cheques under MACT cases were distributed among beneficiaries.
According to official figures, a total of 89,222 cases were taken up by 180 benches across the Union Territory, out of which 83,623 cases were amicably settled involving a compensation and settlement amount of Rs 42.09 crore. The cases included motor accident claims, civil and criminal disputes, labour matters, electricity and water bill disputes, land acquisition cases, family disputes, cheque dishonour and bank recovery matters.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar appreciated the efforts of judicial officers, District Legal Services Authorities, advocates, legal aid defence counsels, para legal volunteers and other stakeholders for making the initiative successful. He emphasised that Lok Adalats serve as an effective mechanism for alternative dispute resolution by reducing pendency and strengthening the justice delivery system.
Member Secretary Shazia Tabassum said the authority remains committed to strengthening alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to ensure justice reaches all sections of society, especially the underprivileged.
She informed that the third National Lok Adalat of 2026 will be held on September 12 and urged litigants to utilise the opportunity for amicable settlement of disputes. She also announced that Special Lok Adalats for cheque dishonour cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act would be held on July 18 and November 21, 2026.(PTK)
