14,March 2024
One of the alternative dispute resolution procedures is Lok Adalat, a forum for the amicable settlement of cases and disputes that are ongoing in court or at the pre-litigation stage. With the passage of the Legal Services Authorities Act in 1987, Lok Adalats were granted statutory standing.
Four National Lok Adalats have traditionally been held each year. In terms of pending and pre-litigation matters, the results of the National Lok Adalats held in 2021, 2022, and 2023 have been positive. Nonetheless, the following is the authorized timetable for the National Lok Adalats in 2024:
- 1st National Lok Adalat – 09/03/2024
- 2nd National Lok Adalat – 11/05/2024
- 3rd National Lok Adalat – 14/09/2024
- 4th National Lok Adalat – 14/12/2024
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What Cases can be referred to Lok Adalat?
- Any matter that is now in court.
- Any disagreement that hasn't been filed with a court yet but is probably going to be.
With the exception that disputes pertaining to crimes that are not legally compoundable cannot be resolved in Lok Adalat.
Which Lok Adalat to be Approached?
In accordance with section 18(1) of the Act, a Lok Adalat is empowered to decide and mediate a compromise or settlement between the disputing parties regarding:
- Any case that is currently pending;
- Any matter that falls under the purview of, but is not brought before, any court for which the Lok Adalat is organized.
With the exception that the Lok Adalat will not have authority over divorce-related problems or situations involving offenses that are not punishable by law.
Ways to Refer a Case to the Lok Adalat for Settlement
- A matter that is now in court;
- Any disagreement that is not yet litigated
Upon receiving an application from any party during the pre-litigation phase, the State Legal Services Authority or District Legal Services Authority, as applicable, may refer the matter to the Lok Adalat for a peaceful resolution of the dispute, after which notice to the opposing party would be given.
NALSA 2024 – March 09
The first National Lok Adalat for 2024 was held at different stages such as Taluks, Districts, and High Courts of 34 States and Union Territories on March 9.
As reports from some State Legal Services Authorities are awaiting, it is anticipated that the number of resolved cases would increase.
Under the auspices of NALSA, legal services authorities from all throughout the nation organized the event under the direction of Justice Sanjiv Khanna, a judge on the Supreme Court.
The First National Lok Adalat was held in Maharashtra, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu on March 3 due to administrative difficulties. On March 16, it will take place in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.