In a move aimed at promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, the National Lok Adalats in India have been officially scheduled for the year 2024. Organized within the Courts and Tribunals and in accordance with the provisions of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and the National Legal Services Authority (Lok Adalats) Regulations, 2009, these adalats have proven to be instrumental in resolving both pending and pre-litigation cases.

The practice of conducting four National Lok Adalats annually has yielded positive outcomes in recent years. Notably, statistical figures from the years 2021 to 2023 reveal a significant number of cases disposed of during these events. The data indicates a consistent effort to address the backlog of legal cases, providing a ray of hope for litigants seeking timely resolutions.

Here is a breakdown of the cases disposed of in the National Lok Adalats held over the last three years:

• 2021:

  • No. of Lok Adalats held: 4
  • Pre-litigation Cases disposed of: 72.06 lacs
  • Pending Cases disposed of: 55.82 lacs
  • Total Cases disposed of: 127.88 lacs

• 2022:

  • No. of Lok Adalats held: 4
  • Pre-litigation Cases disposed of: 80.58 lacs
  • Pending Cases disposed of: 109.47 lacs
  • Total Cases disposed of: 419.26 lacs

• 2023:

  • No. of Lok Adalats held: 4
  • Pre-litigation Cases disposed of: 673.78 lacs
  • Pending Cases disposed of: 136.52 lacs
  • Total Cases disposed of: 810.30 lacs

The approved schedule for the National Lok Adalats in 2024 is as follows:

1. 1st National Lok Adalat: 09/03/2024
2. 2nd National Lok Adalat: 11/05/2024
3. 3rd National Lok Adalat: 14/09/2024
4. 4th National Lok Adalat: 14/12/2024

The framework for conducting these adalats emphasizes several key points to enhance their effectiveness:

I. Cases should be referred as per the procedures outlined in the Legal Services Authorities Act and Regulations. Pre-Lok Adalat or pre-conciliation sittings are encouraged before the scheduled date to provide opportunities for negotiations.

II. Identification of cases with potential for amicable settlements is crucial, requiring proactive measures.

III. Utilization of technology and digital platforms is promoted in the organization and conduct of National Lok Adalats.

IV. The types of cases suitable for settlement in National Lok Adalats include pre-litigation and pending cases spanning various legal categories, such as civil, compoundable criminal, matrimonial, and others.

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