Lok Adalat

• What is Lok Adalat?

In light of Section 19 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, the process for the organisation of Lok Adalat is as follows:

• Organisation of Lok Adalats:

1. Every State Authority, District Authority, Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, High Court Legal Services Committee, or Taluk Legal Services Committee may organize Lok Adalats at various intervals and locations.
2. Every Lok Adalat shall consist of:
   • Serving or retired judicial officers
   • Other persons as specified by the appropriate authority
3. The qualifications and experience required for the members shall be prescribed by the respective governments in consultation with judicial authorities.
4. A Lok Adalat has jurisdiction to settle:
   • Pending cases in courts
   • Disputes within its jurisdiction but not yet brought before any court

Note: It does not have jurisdiction over non-compoundable criminal offences.

• Cognizance of Cases by Lok Adalats:

1. A case can be referred to a Lok Adalat if:
   • Both parties agree
   • One party makes an application to the court
   • The court finds it appropriate for settlement
2. The Lok Adalat shall attempt to settle the case with fairness and justice.
3. If no settlement is reached, the case shall be returned to the court.

• Award of Lok Adalat:

1. An award by Lok Adalat is considered a decree of a civil court.
2. Any court fee paid shall be refunded if a settlement is reached.
3. The award is final and binding, and no appeal can be made against it.

• Powers of Lok Adalat:

The Lok Adalat has similar powers to a civil court in matters such as:

• Summoning and examining witnesses
• Requiring document production
• Receiving evidence via affidavits
• Requesting public records
• Other prescribed judicial matters

National Legal Services Authority (Lok Adalat) Regulations, 2009 (197 KB)

National Lok Adalat Schedule for 2025

• • 22nd March 2025 (2.11 MB)
    
  • 10th May 2025 (497 KB)
    
  • 13th September 2025 (2 MB)
    

  • 13th December 2025