BUDGAM, SEPTEMBER 12: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Budgam, today successfully conducted the 3rd National Lok Adalat of the year 2026 at the District Court Complex Budgam and Taluka Courts across the district under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority (J&K LSA).

The National Lok Adalat was inaugurated by O.P. Baghat, Principal District & Sessions Judge, Budgam and Chairman, DLSA Budgam, in the presence of Judicial Officers, members of the Bar, panel advocates, DLSA staff and other stakeholders.

The Lok Adalat was conducted under the overall supervision of the Chairman, DLSA Budgam, and the guidance of Tabassum Qadir Parray, Secretary, DLSA Budgam, with the objective of providing litigants with an effective, expeditious and accessible mechanism for resolution of disputes through mutual settlement and compromise.

To ensure smooth disposal of cases, matters amenable to settlement were identified in advance and placed before seven dedicated Lok Adalat benches constituted by DLSA Budgam.

The Lok Adalat dealt with a wide range of matters, including civil disputes, compoundable criminal cases, cheque bounce cases, bank recovery matters, Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) cases, land compensation matters, matrimonial and family disputes, pre-litigation matters, social welfare disputes, labour disputes, revenue matters, BSNL-related issues, municipal matters and cases related to various government schemes, besides other matters permissible for settlement under law.

During the proceedings, 439 cases were taken up before the seven benches, out of which 260 cases were amicably settled through mutual consent and compromise.

A total settlement amount of ₹2,40,36,591 was awarded/realized by way of compensation, recovery and settlement during the Lok Adalat.

The successful conduct of the National Lok Adalat reflects the continued commitment of DLSA Budgam towards strengthening access to justice and providing a people-centric platform for speedy, affordable and amicable resolution of disputes.

Lok Adalats offer litigants an opportunity to resolve disputes through a less formal, cost-effective and expeditious mechanism, while also helping reduce the burden of prolonged litigation on both parties and courts.

DLSA Budgam has been undertaking various legal services, awareness programmes, counselling initiatives, legal literacy activities, pre-litigation interventions and Lok Adalats to ensure that no person is denied access to justice due to economic or other disabilities.

The settlement of 260 cases during the 3rd National Lok Adalat of 2026 marks a significant step towards the objective of “Access to Justice for All” and reaffirms DLSA Budgam’s commitment to facilitating speedy, affordable and amicable resolution of disputes.