BCI Compliance Notice: This website provides legal information for educational and awareness purposes only. Information about Lok Adalat is for guidance; procedures may vary by state.
1987
Legal Services Authorities Act
50+ Lakhs
Cases Settled Per Year
No Fees
Court Fees Refunded
What is Lok Adalat?
Lok Adalat, meaning "People's Court", is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism where disputes are settled through compromise and negotiation. It is a statutory forum under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The decision (award) of Lok Adalat is deemed to be a decree of a civil court and is final and binding on all parties.
Key Features
- No court fee or nominal fee
- Speedy resolution (often same day)
- No strict procedural laws
- Award is final and binding
- No appeal against award
- Refund of court fees if settled
Legal Basis
- Article 39A of Constitution of India
- Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
- Section 19 - Lok Adalat organization
- Section 20 - Cognizance of cases
- Section 21 - Award of Lok Adalat
Types of Lok Adalat
National Lok Adalat - Held on specific dates across the country
State Lok Adalat - Organized by State Legal Services Authority
District Lok Adalat - Organized by District Legal Services Authority
Taluk Lok Adalat - Organized at Taluk level
Permanent Lok Adalat - For public utility services (electricity, water, telecom, etc.)
Mobile Lok Adalat - Held in remote/rural areas
National Lok Adalat Schedule: Typically held on every last Saturday of February, May, July, September, and November. Check with your local DLSA for exact dates.
Types of Cases Covered in Lok Adalat
Pre-Litigation Cases
- Cases not yet filed in court
- Directly brought to Lok Adalat
- Can be settled before litigation
- Saves time and money
Pending Cases
- Cases already in court
- Referred by court to Lok Adalat
- Compoundable criminal cases
- Matrimonial disputes
Motor Accident Claims
Property Disputes
Bank Recovery Cases
Service Matters
Consumer Complaints
Matrimonial Disputes
Compoundable Criminal Offences
Electricity/Water Bill Disputes
Telecom/Internet Complaints
Cheque Bounce Cases (Section 138 NI Act)
Cases NOT Covered: Non-compoundable criminal offences (murder, rape, dacoity, etc.), matters involving public interest, and cases where compromise is prohibited by law.
Lok Adalat Procedure
1
Case Selection
Court refers cases or parties apply directly
2
Notice to Parties
Lok Adalat issues notice of hearing
3
Mediation Attempt
Conciliators facilitate discussion
4
Settlement
Parties reach amicable compromise
5
Award Passed
Lok Adalat passes binding award
6
Execution
Award executed like civil court decree
Important: If no settlement is reached, the case is returned to the original court for regular hearing. There is no penalty for not settling.
Benefits of Lok Adalat
Speedy Justice
Cases are resolved in hours or days, not years. National Lok Adalats settle lakhs of cases in a single day.
No/Refundable Court Fees
No court fee for pre-litigation cases. For pending cases, court fees are refunded if settled in Lok Adalat.
Mutual Agreement
Resolution based on consent of both parties, leading to greater satisfaction and less bitterness.
Binding Award
The award has the force of a civil court decree and is final - no appeals are allowed.
Reduces Court Burden
Helps reduce pendency of cases in regular courts, allowing them to focus on contested matters.
Informal Atmosphere
No strict procedural laws - parties can present their case in simple language without lawyers.
Permanent Lok Adalat for Public Utility Services
Permanent Lok Adalat was established under Section 22-B of the Legal Services Authorities Act for disputes relating to public utility services such as:
Water supply
Electricity
Telecom/telephone services
Public transport
Insurance
Health services
Key Feature: Permanent Lok Adalat has jurisdiction over pre-litigation disputes. Even if parties do not agree to settle, the Permanent Lok Adalat can decide the case if it feels there is an element of public interest.
Landmark Supreme Court Judgments
State of Punjab v. Jalour Singh (2008)
Supreme Court held that the award of Lok Adalat is deemed to be a decree of civil court and is final and binding. No appeal lies against the award.
P.T. Thomas v. Thomas Job (2005)
The Court held that Lok Adalat has jurisdiction to settle disputes even if they are not pending before a court. Pre-litigation disputes can be taken up.
Bar Council of India v. Union of India (2012)
Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Permanent Lok Adalat and its power to decide matters even without agreement of parties.
How to Participate in Lok Adalat
1
Check Schedule
Visit DLSA website or office for dates
2
File Application
Submit application with case details
3
Attend Hearing
Both parties must be present
4
Negotiate
Discuss settlement with conciliators
5
Sign Settlement
Sign memorandum of settlement
Documents Required: Copy of case papers (if pending), proof of identity, proof of address, any relevant evidence or documents supporting your claim.
National Lok Adalat - Recent Statistics
November 2024 National Lok Adalat
- Over 50 lakh cases settled
- Recovery of ₹5,000+ crores
- Highest settlement in bank recovery cases
- Motor accident claims - major success
Cumulative Performance
- Since 2015: Over 2 crore cases settled
- Recovery: Over ₹1 lakh crore
- Average 35% pendency reduction
- Highest in Maharashtra, UP, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is Lok Adalat decision appealable?
No. The award of Lok Adalat is final and binding on all parties. No appeal lies against it. This is one of the key features that makes Lok Adalat effective.
Q2: Do I need a lawyer for Lok Adalat?
No, lawyers are not required. Parties can present their cases themselves. However, you may consult a lawyer for advice before attending.
Q3: How much court fee is charged?
For pre-litigation cases: No court fee. For pending cases referred by court: Court fees already paid are refunded if case is settled.
Q4: What happens if no settlement is reached?
If parties cannot reach a compromise, the case is returned to the original court for regular hearing. There is no penalty for not settling.
Q5: Can criminal cases be settled in Lok Adalat?
Yes, but only compoundable criminal offences (e.g., cheque bounce, simple hurt, etc.). Non-compoundable offences (murder, rape, dacoity) cannot be settled in Lok Adalat.
Q6: Who conducts Lok Adalat?
Lok Adalat is conducted by a panel consisting of a sitting or retired judicial officer, a lawyer, and a social worker.
Q7: How to find Lok Adalat dates in my district?
Visit the website of your state's DLSA or contact the District Legal Services Authority office in your district. National Lok Adalats are usually held on last Saturdays of February, May, July, September, and November.
Q8: Can Lok Adalat decide matters without consent of both parties?
For regular Lok Adalat, consent of both parties is required. However, Permanent Lok Adalat for public utility services can decide even without consent.
Legal Disclaimer (BCI Compliant):
This information is for educational and awareness purposes only. Lok Adalat procedures and schedules may vary by state. Always contact your local District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) for specific guidance. Nyayaseva is not affiliated with NALSA or any legal services authority.