Educational Purpose: This page provides educational information about Lok Adalat. For actual dispute resolution, contact your local Legal Services Authority.
What is Lok Adalat?
Lok Adalat (People's Court) is a statutory forum under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 for settlement of disputes through compromise. It is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism.
Key Features of Lok Adalat
- No Court Fee: No fee for filing (if fee already paid, refunded)
- Final and Binding: Award is final, no appeal against Lok Adalat award
- Speedy Resolution: Disputes resolved in 1 day to 1 month
- Mutual Consent: Settlement requires consent of both parties
- Decree Status: Award has same force as civil court decree
Types of Disputes That Can Be Referred
- Civil disputes (property, contract, recovery)
- Family disputes (maintenance, divorce with consent)
- Compoundable criminal offenses (cheque bounce, hurt, defamation)
- Motor accident claims
- Land acquisition disputes
- Bank recovery matters
- Labour and service matters
- Electricity and water bill disputes
How Lok Adalat Works
1 Cases are referred to Lok Adalat by court or parties
2 Lok Adalat is presided by judicial officers and social activists
3 Parties are given opportunity to negotiate and compromise
4 Settlement is recorded and award is passed
5 Award is final and binding (cannot be appealed)
When Are Lok Adalats Held?
- Regular Lok Adalats are held monthly/quarterly
- Continuous Lok Adalats for pending cases
- Permanent Lok Adalats for public utility services (electricity, telecom, postal, banking)
- National Lok Adalat (specific dates declared by NALSA)
Important: Lok Adalat award cannot be appealed. Ensure you fully understand and agree to the settlement terms before accepting.
How to Get Your Case Referred to Lok Adalat
- Pending Cases: Request court to refer to Lok Adalat
- Pre-litigation Cases: File application before Legal Services Authority
- Permanent Lok Adalat: Direct application for public utility disputes