National Lok Adalat Settles Nearly 68,000 Cases Across Jammu Kashmir  | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The first National Lok Adalat of 2026 was organised across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, during which nearly 68,000 cases were settled through amicable resolution, officials said.

The Lok Adalat was conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority under the patronage of Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, who serves as Patron-in-Chief of the authority. The initiative was led by Executive Chairman Justice Sanjeev Kumar and guided by Justice Sanjay Dhar, Chairperson of the High Court Legal Services Committee.

Justice Sanjeev Kumar inaugurated the Lok Adalat at the District Court Complex in Jammu, where he was received by Principal District and Sessions Judge R. N Wattal, Member Secretary Shazia Tabassum and Secretary District Legal Services Authority Jammu Maleeka Sharma, along with other judicial officers.

According to official figures, 76,707 cases were taken up by 194 benches across the Union Territory during the day-long proceedings. Out of these, 67,993 cases were settled, involving a settlement amount of Rs 55.86 crore.

The matters resolved included motor accident claim cases, civil and criminal disputes, matrimonial cases, cheque bounce cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act, bank recovery matters, electricity and water bill disputes, labour issues, land acquisition cases and family disputes.

During his visit, Justice Sanjeev Kumar inspected several Lok Adalat benches and interacted with presiding officers, advocates and litigants. He also witnessed on-the-spot settlements and distribution of compensation cheques to beneficiaries of motor accident claims.

He appreciated the efforts of judicial officers, District Legal Services Authorities, advocates, Legal Aid Defence Counsels, para-legal volunteers and court staff for ensuring the successful conduct of the event. He emphasised that Lok Adalats provide an effective mechanism for alternative dispute resolution by enabling quick and cost-effective settlement of disputes while reducing the burden of pending cases.

Member Secretary Shazia Tabassum said the next National Lok Adalat in Jammu and Kashmir will be held on May 9, 2026, giving litigants another opportunity to settle their cases through the platform.