Telangana: Over 11.19 Lakh Cases Settled In 1st National Lok Adalat; ₹397 Crore Awarded As Compensation

The Lok Adalat was organized in pursuance of directions issued by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and conducted under the guidance of Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, Chief Justice of the High Court for the State of Telangana and Patron-in-Chief of the Telangana State Legal Services Authority (TSLSA), and Justice P. Sam Koshy, Executive Chairman of TSLSA.

Statewide Implementation

A total of 341 Lok Adalat benches were constituted across the State, including:

• 2 benches at the High Court, and

• 2 benches at the Debt Recovery Tribunals, Hyderabad

The initiative covered both pending and pre-litigation cases, including consumer disputes and matters before Debt Recovery Tribunals.

Awareness & Coordination

To ensure effective implementation, TSLSA conducted coordination meetings with judicial officers, district legal services authorities, and other stakeholders. Public awareness was enhanced through print and electronic media, local TV channels, and public announcement systems.

Inaugural Proceedings

The Lok Adalat was inaugurated at Mahabubnagar and Gadwal district court premises by Justice P. Sam Koshy and Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar, who highlighted the significance of Lok Adalats in reducing pendency and promoting amicable dispute resolution.

Justice Koshy emphasized that Lok Adalats provide a platform for speedy, cost-effective, and mutually agreeable settlements, with awards having the same legal status as a civil court decree under the Legal Services Authorities Act. He noted that the increasing number of settlements reflects growing public trust in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Key Benefits Highlighted

The judges underscored that Lok Adalats offer:

• Speedy and cost-effective justice

• Informal and flexible procedures

• Final and binding settlements

• Refund of court fees upon settlement

They also encouraged litigants and advocates to actively participate in resolving disputes amicably.

Special Initiatives

During the programme:

• Cheques were distributed to claimants in motor accident cases

• A couple reunited after resolving their dispute

• Wheelchairs were distributed to children with mental disabilities, supported by donors

Case Disposal Data

Out of the total cases settled:

• 2,535 civil cases

• 10,31,317 criminal cases

• 85,231 pre-litigation cases

At the High Court level, 185 out of 241 cases were disposed of, with compensation amounting to ₹10.57 crore.

With the cooperation of judicial officers, police authorities, public prosecutors, and litigants, the Lok Adalat achieved significant success in reducing pendency and promoting amicable dispute resolution across the State.