National Lok Adalat: Over 9 lakh cases settled in Maharashtra, including 2002 accident claim with payout of Rs 14 crore

As per the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, an award passed in the Lok Adalat has the effect of a deemed decree of a civil court.

By: Express News Service

Mumbai | September 15, 2025 05:14 PM IST

2 min read

Around 7,18,419 pre-litigation cases and 2,08,337 cases were settled on Saturday, with a special drive undertaken over the past week before the Lok Adalat. (File Photo)

Over 9 lakh cases, including bank recovery claims, matrimonial disputes, and even disputes in the pre-litigation stage, were settled across Maharashtra as part of the third National Lok Adalat 2025 held Saturday. Among the cases settled was a dispute pending from 2002 before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT), which was settled with a cheque of Rs 14 crore handed over to the victim’s family.

The National Lok Adalat, organised by the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority (MALSA) under the guidance of the Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, saw hearings across three High Court Legal Services Committees and Sub-committees, and 35 District Legal Services Authorities, including in Mumbai, as well as 305 Taluka Legal Services Committees.

Around 7,18,419 pre-litigation cases and 2,08,337 cases were settled on Saturday, with a special drive undertaken over the past week before the Lok Adalat.

The Lok Adalat is an alternative dispute redressing system where various types of matters, including criminal compoundable cases, cheque dishonouring cases, traffic e-challans, electricity matters, etc, can be settled.

“The figures of this Lok Adalat and previous Lok Adalats are indicative that Alternative Dispute Resolution is not only effective but also an appropriate mechanism for redressal of disputes,” MALSA said in a release. As per the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, the award passed in the Lok Adalat has the effect of a deemed decree of a civil court. Once the matter is settled in Lok Adalat, the parties also get a refund of the entire court fee, an official said.

The next Lok Adalat will be on December 13.

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