In a bid to ensure accessible and speedy justice, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is set to host the second National Lok Adalat of 2026 on May 9 nationwide. Led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Vikram Nath, the initiative aims to encourage amicable dispute settlements and alleviate the burden on courts through inclusive mechanisms. The event will take place at various levels, including High Courts, District Courts, Tribunals, Consumer Forums, and Permanent Lok Adalats, to reach a broad audience.
In different States and Union Territories, the Lok Adalat will occur on different dates: June 13 in Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal; June 20 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Telangana; and July 11 in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Karnataka. The event will address a wide array of disputes, encompassing pre-litigation and pending matters such as criminal compoundable cases, cheque dishonour issues, bank recovery disputes, motor accident claims, service and pension matters, matrimonial disputes (excluding divorce), labor disputes, land acquisition cases, consumer complaints, utility bill problems, traffic fines, and other civil cases suitable for resolution.
The Lok Adalat mechanism, as per NALSA, serves as a valuable alternative to traditional litigation by promoting consensual settlements that are prompt, cost-effective, and mutually agreeable. Noteworthy outcomes have been achieved, with over 10.45 crore cases settled in 2024 and more than 14.84 crore cases resolved in 2025 through four National Lok Adalats. The initial National Lok Adalat of 2026 alone witnessed the resolution of over 4.06 crore cases, indicating an increasing public trust and institutional dedication to reducing pending cases.
Efforts will also concentrate on addressing long-pending matters identified via the National Judicial Data Grid to diminish pendency and enhance the justice delivery system’s efficiency. NALSA emphasizes that the Lok Adalat framework aids in easing court congestion, preserving relationships, and lowering litigation expenses, thereby making justice more humane and accessible. Established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, NALSA plays a pivotal role in ensuring justice access for marginalized and underprivileged segments of society.
