National Lok Adalat in Srinagar settles 23,213 cases across J&K, involving Rs 176.22 crore

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 12: A total of 23,213 cases were amicably settled across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir during the 3rd National Lok Adalat of 2026, involving a settlement and compensation amount of Rs 176,22,29,397.

The day-long Lok Adalat, organised by the J&K Legal Services Authority (JKSLA), saw 32,908 cases taken up by 163 benches across the UT.

The National Lok Adalat was held under the patronage of Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Patron-in-Chief, JKSLA, and the leadership of Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Executive Chairman, JKSLA.

Chief Justice inaugurates Lok Adalat in Srinagar

Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, along with Justice Sanjeev Kumar, jointly inaugurated the National Lok Adalat at the District Court Complex, Srinagar.

The event marked the first National Lok Adalat following Dr. Justice Bhati’s assumption of office as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

The dignitaries were received by Haq Nawaz Zargar, Principal District & Sessions Judge and Chairperson, DLSA Srinagar, Shazia Tabasum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority, and other judicial officers.

A ceremonial Guard of Honour was accorded to the Chief Justice.

Dr. Justice Bhati and Justice Sanjeev Kumar subsequently visited various Lok Adalat benches and interacted with presiding officers, bench members, advocates and litigants. They reviewed the arrangements and witnessed the settlement of cases.

MACT compensation cheques were also distributed among eligible claimants, providing financial relief to beneficiaries.

Wide range of disputes settled

The Lok Adalat addressed a wide range of civil and criminal matters, including:

• Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) cases.

• Matrimonial and family disputes.

• Cheque dishonour cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act.

• Money recovery and bank recovery matters.

• Commercial and labour disputes.

• Electricity and water bill disputes.

• Land acquisition matters.

• Compoundable criminal offences.

The JKSLA stated that the initiative aimed to promote access to justice through speedy, cost-effective and amicable resolution of disputes.

Chief Justice appreciates stakeholders

Interacting with media persons, Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati expressed his appreciation for the efforts of judicial officers, Secretaries of District Legal Services Authorities, advocates, Para Legal Volunteers, court staff and litigants for their participation in the National Lok Adalat.

Justice Sanjeev Kumar, while welcoming the Chief Justice, highlighted the importance of Lok Adalats as an effective mechanism for speedy, amicable and final resolution of disputes without the burden of prolonged litigation.

He urged the public to make greater use of Lok Adalats and called upon all stakeholders to strengthen consensual dispute resolution.

National Lok Adalat held in Jammu

Justice Rajnesh Oswal of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh inaugurated the National Lok Adalat at the District Court Complex, Jammu.

Principal District & Sessions Judge Tahir Khurshid Raina and other judicial officers of district Jammu received Justice Oswal on the occasion.

Final National Lok Adalat on December 12

Shazia Tabasum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority, informed that the 4th and final National Lok Adalat of the current calendar year is scheduled to be held on December 12, 2026.

She urged litigants whose cases could not be listed or settled during the present Lok Adalat to avail themselves of the opportunity in the forthcoming National Lok Adalat.