The judicial system in India, including in states like Jammu & Kashmir, has long been loaded with a plethora of legal cases and, correspondingly, deficit resources. This situation has been causing undue stress and prolonged legal battles for common citizens in J&K. Amidst this landscape, Lok Adalats (People’s Courts) have emerged as an effective instrument, providing timely and amicable resolutions to disputes. The recent Special Lok Adalat held on July 20, 2024, in Srinagar has yet again emphasised on the significant role these forums play in alleviating the legal woes of the populace.
On the national level, Lok Adalats have been instrumental in dispute resolution for over two decades. Between 2000 and 2024, Lok Adalats across India have resolved millions of cases handling a wide range of disputes, including civil, criminal, family matters, and bank recovery cases. As per the available data, in the last two years, the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority (JKLSA) has organized numerous Lok Adalats, achieving notable results. During the National Lok Adalat on December 11, 2021, a total of 59,649 cases were resolved, and an amount of ₹61.87 crores was awarded as compensation/settlement​. Another National Lok Adalat held on March 8, 2023, saw 1,21,018 cases taken up, out of which 1,07,869 were settled, involving a settlement amount of ₹73.74 crores​.
The Special Lok Adalat organized throughout Jammu & Kashmir on July 20 emphasized on the settlement of Bank Recovery Cases. This event marked the seventh Special Lok Adalat of the year, and the numbers speak volumes about the efficacy of this initiative: out of 885 cases taken up, 228 were settled amicably, involving a substantial amount of Rs. 5.24 crore. The focus on Bank Recovery cases has helped in addressing financial disputes that have far-reaching implications for individuals and businesses alike. The collective efforts of judicial officers, advocates, and legal services institutions have, yet again, underscored the collaborative spirit essential for the success of such initiatives. Initiatives like these go a long way in restoring faith in the judicial process among litigants.
Remarkably, Lok Adalats have distinguished themselves for they operate on the principles of compromise and conciliation, distinguishing them from traditional courts that often follow a different approach. The Gandhian principle of “Sarvodaya,” meaning the welfare of all, is another key guiding principle of these forums. What makes these forums more effective is that these courts are less formal, more accessible, and are designed to facilitate a faster resolution of disputes. Although the process is voluntary and both parties must agree to settle their dispute through mutual consent, the outcomes are often more acceptable and less contentious.
In a context like Jammu & Kashmir, where legal literacy is not among the best in the country, benefits of Lok Adalats are many. Firstly, speedy justice – Lok Adalats significantly reduce the time taken to resolve disputes. Traditional courts can take years to deliver a verdict, whereas Lok Adalats can settle cases in a single day. Secondly, these forums are cost-effective. The process in Lok Adalats is free of cost, making justice accessible to those who may not afford the expenses associated with traditional litigation. Thirdly, since the decisions are based on mutual agreement, there is a higher satisfaction level among the parties involved. This is often known to promote a sense of goodwill among disagreeing or conflicting parties, thereby contributing to maintaining social harmony and cohesion.
Importantly, these forums are well known to reduce burden on courts. By settling cases outside the traditional court system, Lok Adalats have been serving to help in reducing the backlog of cases in J&K, allowing the judiciary to focus on more complex legal issues. The beauty of Lok Adalats lies in the fact that these forums are flexible in their proceedings, which can be tailored to the needs of the disputing parties, unlike the different format of conventional courts.
The announcement of the next Special Lok Adalat scheduled for August 10, 2024, focusing on Criminal Compoundable Cases, further emphasizes the ongoing commitment to providing swift and effective justice. Lok Adalats in Jammu & Kashmir represent a crucial mechanism for delivering justice swiftly and efficiently. Their role in reducing the backlog of cases, providing cost-effective solutions, and promoting amicable settlements cannot be overstated. The success of these forums is a reminder that justice, when served with compassion and efficiency, can indeed transform lives and uphold the dignity of the judicial process.
