A total of 32,908 cases were taken up by 163 benches established across J&K during the day-long exercise. The Lok Adalat covered a wide range of matters, including Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) claims, matrimonial disputes, cheque dishonour cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act, money recovery matters, commercial disputes, labour disputes, land matters, electricity and water bill disputes, bank recovery cases, and compoundable criminal offences.

The event was held under the patronage of Dr Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Patron-in-Chief of JKLSA, under the leadership of Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Executive Chairman of JKLSA, and with the guidance of Justice Sanjay Dhar, Chairperson of the High Court Legal Services Committee.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Lok Adalat at the District Court Complex, Srinagar, Chief Justice Bhati emphasised the transformative role of Lok Adalats in the justice delivery system. He said,

"Lok Adalat is not just a mechanism for resolving disputes, it is a platform that creates a win-win situation for all parties involved. It saves time, reduces litigation costs, and fosters goodwill."

He further stated,

"I encourage the public to actively participate in this initiative for peaceful, timely, and amicable settlements. Justice through Lok Adalats strengthens the very foundation of participatory and compassionate justice".

The Chief Justice also highlighted the importance of Lok Adalats in accident cases, observing,

"It is the responsibility of the law, the legal system, and the courts to ensure swift action so that compensation reaches them promptly. This Lok Adalat is precisely the mechanism through which compensation is delivered to them as quickly as possible within legal parameters".

Justice Sanjeev Kumar emphasised the importance of Lok Adalats as an effective mechanism for the swift, amicable and final resolution of disputes. He urged members of the public to make greater use of Lok Adalats and called upon all stakeholders to continue strengthening the system of consensual dispute resolution and access to justice.

Srinagar Leads With 9,394 Cases Settled

In Srinagar district, 11 benches were constituted, and a total of 9,888 cases were taken up, out of which 9,394 cases were settled, with an amount of ₹1,11,14,88,832 awarded as settlement amount.

MACT compensation cheques amounting to ₹3,42,45,000 were distributed on the spot among the claimants by the Chief Justice in the presence of Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Haq Nawaz Zargar, Principal District & Sessions Judge and Chairperson of DLSA Srinagar, Shazia Tabasum, Member Secretary of JKLSA, and other judicial officers of District Court Srinagar.

The Chief Justice and Executive Chairman visited various benches, interacted with presiding officers, advocates, and litigants, and personally distributed MACT compensation cheques to eligible claimants to extend timely financial relief.

District-Wise Settlements Across J&K

In Jammu, the 3rd National Lok Adalat was conducted at the District Court Complex under the guidance of Tahir Khurshid Raina, Chairman DLSA and Principal District & Sessions Judge, Jammu. Justice Rajnesh Oswal inaugurated the Lok Adalat and handed over MACT compensation cheques to an individual claimant.

In Poonch, 883 cases were settled, with eight benches constituted across the district for amicable settlement of cases. In Kathua, 311 cases were disposed of at the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre in the District Court Complex.

The 4th and final National Lok Adalat of the current calendar year is scheduled to be held on December 12, 2026.