MadhyaPradesh Special Lok Adalat Settles 1,945 Cheque Bounce Cases Worth Over ₹106 Crore In A Day
A Special Lok Adalat for the disposal of cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 was organised across Madhya Pradesh on July 18, 2026, resulting in the amicable settlement of 1,945 cheque dishonour cases involving more than ₹106.42 crore.
The Special Lok Adalat was organised under the leadership of Justice Vivek Rusia, Acting Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court and Patron-in-Chief of the Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (MPSLSA), in compliance with the directions of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
According to Ms. Suman Shrivastava, Member Secretary, MPSLSA, a total of 4,636 cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act were taken up during the Special Lok Adalat, of which 1,945 cases were settled through compromise, leading to the disposal of disputes involving approximately ₹106.42 crore.
The initiative was aimed at promoting amicable settlement of cheque dishonour cases, reducing pendency before courts, and providing litigants with an expeditious, cost-effective and mutually acceptable resolution of disputes.
The Authority stated that the success of the Special Lok Adalat was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the Chairpersons of the District Legal Services Authorities, Judicial Officers, office bearers of Legal Services Institutions, members of the Bar, banking institutions and the parties concerned.
According to the Authority, the Special Lok Adalat enabled parties to resolve long-pending disputes through dialogue and mutual consent, thereby avoiding prolonged litigation. It noted that litigants benefited from speedy settlement of cheque dishonour disputes, reduced litigation costs and time, decreased mental stress associated with prolonged court proceedings, preservation of business and personal relationships, and finality of settlements.
The Authority further stated that the initiative substantially contributed to reducing the pendency of cases before courts, thereby enabling the judiciary to devote greater attention to contested matters requiring adjudication. It added that the exercise demonstrated the effectiveness of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in ensuring timely access to justice and promoting a culture of settlement.
MPSLSA also noted that the positive response from litigants, advocates, banking institutions and other stakeholders reflected growing public confidence in the Lok Adalat system as an efficient and citizen-friendly mechanism for dispute resolution. It said the Authority would continue organising similar initiatives to strengthen access to justice through amicable settlement of disputes.