As India gears up for the National Lok Adalat on 13th December, 2025, this week’s edition explains how there is a great opportunity for all people- be they individuals, families or businesses- to resolve disputes in an expeditious, amicable and cost-effective manner. Lok Adalat is one of the potent Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in India, which use both adjudicatory and conciliatory processes, where it is primarily involves third neutral persons i.e., the Lok Adalats (People’s court).
When you have a cheque bounce case, family dispute, pending loan recovery case or motor accident claim to deal with, Lok Adalat is that practical avenue of resolution without the delays associated with full-blown trials.
What Is Lok Adalat?
Lok Adalats (People’s courts) are the alternate dispute redressal mechanism, providing justice through reconciliation and compromise but not through bitter arguments. It is grounded in the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, making justice available to all – especially when there is hope of an amicable resolution.
Why Lok Adalat Matters Today
Court cases can drag on for years due to procedural steps, endless dates and expensive litigation. This is where Lok Adalat comes in by offering:
- Faster dispute resolution
- Less financial burden
- Mutual settlement outcomes
- Reduced stress and confrontation
- A legally binding award
In one line, Lok Adalat is perfect for cooperation of the parties and closure of the case for good.
Organisation Of Lok Adalats In India
There are two types of Lok Adalats: (i) Permanent Lok Adalat and(ii) Mobile Lok Adalat To preside over these courts, legal services institutions like the following have been setup:
- State Legal Services Authorities (SLSA)
- District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA)
- Taluk Legal Services Committees
- High Court Legal Services Committees
- Supreme Court Legal Services Committee
These bodies are able to dovetail throughout India, they run Lok Adalats at regular intervals like National Lok Adalats which is an effective approach towards clearing the backlogs of cases.
Key Benefits of Lok Adalat
1) No additional Court Fees (or Refund in Pending cases)
One of the greatest benefits is no court fee. If the matter is already filed in Court then, the court fee paid will be refunded after settlement of matter in Lok Adalat.
2) Swift Resolution (Often Same-Day)
It’s just as easy and more flexible than in person, and many are resolved the same day, saving time for all involved by avoiding unnecessary court appearances.
3) Final and Binding Award
The decree of the Lok Adalat is final and equivalent to a decree passed by a Civil court and it is binding on all parties and no appeal lies against there to a high cour.
4) Mutually Agreed Outcomes
Lok Adalat encourages settlements through discussion, dialogue and settlement and not adversarial trial.
Normally, Lok Adalats deal with civil and compoundable cases including:
- Cases pertaining to bouncing of Cheque (Section 138 NI Act)
- Cases of Motor Accident Claim
- Matrimonial and family disputes
- Partition and property settlement disputes
- Bank loan collection and recovery cases
- Labour and employment disputes
- Commercial dispute settlements
- Disagreements that arise before court is filed
If you think that your dispute falls in a category which can be compromised, then Lok Adalat is apt for it.
Lok Adalat (2) Jurisdiction and Powers of Lok Adalat.
Lok Adalat encourages compromise but will issue awards only if both agree to the settlement. Once passed:
- The award is final
- The award is binding
The award is not subject to any appeal in the ordinary course, bringing finality and certainty.
This also makes Lok Adalat an effective forum for parties who wish for speedy determination, without the hassles of prolonged litigation.
National Lok Adalat 2025: Legal aid and how it can assist
While Lok Adalat is a settlement-oriented forum; the legal professional’s advice can be invaluable in matters of documentation, negotiation and settlement terms. This type of legal support is especially important for:
- Structuring workable settlement agreements
- Protecting your rights and interests with favorable terms
- Checking legal ramifications before giving consent in perpetuity.
- Writing case papers and evidence files
Dugar & Associates – Legal support for National Lok Adalat
- Bank settlement and recovery matters
- Family and matrimonial dispute resolution
- Property and partition settlements
- Cheque dishonour (cheque bounce) guidance
- MACT claims and compensation matters
- Commercial settlement negotiation
- Pre-litigation counselling and strategy
Our objective is to assist you in using Lok Adalat as a potent tool to achieve expeditious, effective and legally tenable settlements.
Contact Dugar & Associates (Kolkata)
Dugar & Associates– Kolkata Based Law Firm
2G, Garcha 1 st Lane, Kolkata- 700019 Near Garcha Gurudwara
Monday to Saturday | 09:30 AM – 09:30 PM