Lok Adalat in India

In a country like India, where the judiciary is perpetually burdened with millions of cases, access to timely justice remains a serious challenge. Long delays, high costs, procedural complexity—and often disparities in resources—mean that large sections of the population find it difficult to avail justice through regular courts.

Against this backdrop, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms have gained increasing importance. Among them, Lok Adalat, literally the “People’s Court,” plays a vital role in providing a faster, simpler, and more accessible mode of dispute resolution.

Lok Adalats aim to shift many disputes out of formal courtrooms and settle them through conciliation and compromise, reducing cost and delay. Over decades, the system has evolved in structure, scope, and public perception.

In this post, we will trace Lok Adalat’s history and legal foundation, explain its functioning, examine its advantages and drawbacks, look at recent developments, and highlight the 2025 schedule for National Lok Adalats so that readers can plan accordingly.

Lok Adalat Definition

Lok Adalat, meaning “People’s Court,” is a system of alternative dispute resolution in India where disputes are settled amicably without going through the lengthy process of regular courts. It was given statutory recognition under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.

Lok Adalat functions on the principle of compromise, where both parties agree to a mutual settlement with the help of conciliators such as judges, lawyers, and social workers. The aim is to provide speedy, inexpensive, and accessible justice to all, especially the weaker sections of society.

Cases that are pending in courts or disputes at the pre-litigation stage, such as civil cases, cheque bounce matters, motor accident claims, family disputes, and compoundable criminal cases, can be resolved here. The award passed by Lok Adalat is final, binding, and enforceable like a civil court decree, with no further appeal, ensuring quick relief and reducing the burden on regular courts.

2025 National Lok Adalat Schedule

For 2025, the National Lok Adalat sessions are scheduled on the following dates across India:

1st National Lok Adalat: 8 March 2025
2nd National Lok Adalat: 10 May 2025
3rd National Lok Adalat: 13 September 2025
4th National Lok Adalat: 13 December 2025

These dates are implemented in most states and union territories. In some regions, slight variations may occur due to local court schedules, but the national framework remains the same.

These Lok Adalats are important opportunities for litigants to resolve pending cases or pre-litigation disputes, including traffic challans, property disputes, family issues, bank recovery cases, accident claims, and more.

Download 2025 National Lok Adalat Scheduled Notification PDF

How to Apply for Lok Adalat in India?

Lok Adalat, meaning “People’s Court,” is one of the easiest ways to resolve disputes without spending years in formal courts. It works through compromise and settlement, and once both parties agree, the award passed by Lok Adalat is final and binding. Many people use Lok Adalats to settle traffic challans, property disputes, bank recovery cases, motor accident claims, and other civil matters. If you are planning to use Lok Adalat, here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply.

Step 1: Check if Your Case is Eligible

Not every case can be settled in Lok Adalat. It only accepts:

Civil disputes (like property, partition, family, and money claims).
Motor accident claims.
Cheque bounce (Negotiable Instruments Act, Section 138).
Bank loan recovery matters.
Labour disputes (like wages and service benefits).
Traffic challans and utility bill disputes.
Criminal cases that are compoundable (where compromise is legally allowed).

Cases that are serious criminal offences or non-compoundable cannot be taken up in Lok Adalat.

Step 2: Choose the Right Mode

You can apply for Lok Adalat in two ways:

Pre-litigation cases – If your dispute is not yet filed in court, you can directly apply to the District or State Legal Services Authority to have it taken up in Lok Adalat.
Pending court cases – If your matter is already in court, you or your lawyer can request the court to transfer it to Lok Adalat for settlement.

Step 3: Approach the Legal Services Authority

In every state and district, there is a Legal Services Authority (LSA) office. You can visit:

State Legal Services Authority (SLSA) at the state level.
District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) at the district court complex.
Taluk Legal Services Committee at the sub-district level.

These authorities are responsible for organizing Lok Adalats and registering cases.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

You need to fill a simple application form for Lok Adalat. The form usually asks for:

Name, address, and contact details.
Details of the dispute (case number if pending in court, or description if pre-litigation).
Names of the opposite party.
Relevant documents (like challan copy, loan documents, accident papers, or agreement).

The form can be submitted physically at the LSA office or online (where state websites provide the facility).

Step 5: Receive Confirmation and Date

Once your application is accepted, you will receive a notice or token indicating the date of Lok Adalat where your case will be listed. For National Lok Adalats, this date is usually one of the four fixed sessions held every year (March, May, September, and December).

Step 6: Attend the Lok Adalat

On the scheduled day, attend the Lok Adalat at the given venue. A panel consisting of a judicial officer, lawyer, and social worker will preside. They will hear both parties, encourage compromise, and record the settlement if both sides agree.

Step 7: Settlement and Award

If settlement is reached, the Lok Adalat passes an award, which is final and enforceable like a civil court decree. No appeal can be filed against this award. If no settlement happens, the case either goes back to the regular court (for pending cases) or remains unresolved (for pre-litigation cases).

Benefits of Applying to Lok Adalat

Free of cost – No court fees.
Quick disposal – Cases are settled in a single day.
Binding decision – Award is enforceable like a court decree.
Refund of court fee – If a pending case is settled, the court fee is refunded.
Less formal – Flexible and friendly process compared to regular courts.

✅ In short: To apply for Lok Adalat in India, check if your case is eligible, approach the nearest Legal Services Authority, fill out the form, and attend the Lok Adalat session on the given date.

Lok Adalat Token Registration 2025

The National Lok Adalat is one of the largest legal awareness and dispute resolution events organized in India. Every year, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) along with State and District Legal Services Authorities conducts Lok Adalats across the country. These Lok Adalats aim to settle pending and pre-litigation disputes quickly, at no cost, and in a mutually acceptable way.

In 2026, the National Lok Adalat is again expected to play an important role, particularly for citizens looking to resolve cases related to traffic challans, bank recovery, accident claims, property disputes, and other civil matters. A major feature of recent Lok Adalats has been online token registration, which allows people to register their cases in advance and avoid long queues on the day of the Lok Adalat.

National Lok Adalat 2026 Schedule

The National Lok Adalat is usually held four times a year, once every quarter, on the same day across all states and union territories. For 2026, the expected dates for the National Lok Adalat are:

1st National Lok Adalat: March 2026
2nd National Lok Adalat: May 2026
3rd National Lok Adalat: September 2026
4th National Lok Adalat: December 2026

The exact dates are notified by NALSA and the respective State Legal Services Authorities closer to the events. Citizens are advised to keep checking official notices for confirmation.

Lok Adalat Token Registration 2026

To manage large crowds and make the process smooth, many states now use a token registration system. Through this system, people can apply online, receive a token or appointment slip, and then appear before the Lok Adalat bench at the allotted time.

The token registration is generally made available through:

The NALSA portal at the national level.
State Legal Services Authority (SLSA) websites for state-specific tokens.
District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) websites for local registrations.

Once the online token is generated, applicants must carry a printout or digital copy along with their challan or case documents to the Lok Adalat venue.

State-Wise Token Registration Links

Each state issues its own notification and provides registration links for its citizens. For example:

Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh usually announce special token registration links for traffic challans.
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan provide online token facilities through their SLSA portals.
Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka Legal Services Authorities release their state-specific forms.

Applicants should always check the official website of their respective State Legal Services Authority for the correct token registration link and instructions.

State-wise Official Websites of NALSA / State Legal Services Authorities (SLSA)

States

Andhra Pradesh – apslsa.ap.nic.in
Arunachal Pradesh – apslsa.org
Assam – aslsa.assam.gov.in
Bihar – patnahighcourt.gov.in (Bihar Lok Adalat Apply link)
Chhattisgarh – cgslsa.gov.in
Goa – goa.nalsa.gov.in
Gujarat – gujarat.nalsa.gov.in
Haryana – hslsa.gov.in
Himachal Pradesh – himachal.nic.in (Legal Services section)
Jharkhand – jhalsa.org
Karnataka – kslsa.kar.nic.in
Kerala – kelsa.keralacourts.in
Madhya Pradesh – mpslsa.gov.in
Maharashtra – legalservices.maharashtra.gov.in
Manipur – maslsa.nic.in
Meghalaya – mslsa.gov.in
Mizoram – mizoslsa.mizoram.gov.in
Nagaland – nagaland.nalsa.gov.in
Odisha – oslsa.nic.in
Punjab – pulsa.punjab.gov.in
Rajasthan – rajasthan.nalsa.gov.in
Sikkim – sikkimslsa.nic.in
Tamil Nadu – tnlegalservices.tn.gov.in
Telangana – tslsa.telangana.gov.in
Tripura – slsa.tripura.gov.in
Uttarakhand – uttarakhand.nalsa.gov.in (UK Lok Adalat Apply link)
Uttar Pradesh – upslsa.up.nic.in (UP Lok Adalat Token Registration link)
West Bengal – wbslsa.bangla.gov.in

Union Territories

Andaman and Nicobar Islands – lsa.and.nic.in
Chandigarh – chdslsa.gov.in
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu – dnhddlsa.gov.in
Delhi (NCT) – dslsa.org
Jammu and Kashmir – jkslsa.gov.in
Ladakh – ladakhslsa.in
Lakshadweep – lakshadweepslsa.gov.in
Puducherry – pdyslsa.in

This list covers all States and Union Territories where National Lok Adalats are conducted under NALSA guidelines.

How to Apply Online for National Lok Adalat 2026

The general steps to apply for token registration are as follows:

Visit the official NALSA or State Legal Services Authority website.
Click on the National Lok Adalat 2026 Token Registration link.
Select the type of case – traffic challan, bank recovery, cheque bounce, accident claim, or other disputes.
Enter required details such as name, case number or challan number, mobile number, and address.
Upload supporting documents if required.
Submit the application and download the token or appointment slip.
On the date of Lok Adalat, present the token along with documents at the designated bench.

National Lok Adalat 2026 Next Date

As per the expected schedule, the next National Lok Adalat in 2026 after the March session will be held in May 2026. The exact date will be notified officially by NALSA and State Legal Services Authorities. This date will be important for those who miss the first Lok Adalat session and want to register for the next opportunity.

How to Pay National Lok Adalat Traffic Challan 2026

Traffic challans are among the most common cases resolved in Lok Adalats. Many states provide online facilities for challan settlement during National Lok Adalat sessions. The steps usually are:

Register online through the state traffic police or SLSA portal for Lok Adalat challan settlement.
Generate a token for your challan number or vehicle registration number.
On the Lok Adalat date, visit the court venue or designated center with your challan and token.
Pay the reduced settlement amount as directed by the Lok Adalat bench.
Receive the settlement receipt, which clears your challan officially.

This process often provides significant relief, as fines and penalties may be reduced when cases are settled through Lok Adalat.

The National Lok Adalat 2026 will once again give citizens a unique opportunity to resolve disputes speedily, without lengthy court procedures and at no cost. With the help of token registration systems and state-wise online facilities, the process has become more streamlined and accessible.

Whether it is settling a traffic challan, a bank recovery case, a motor accident claim, or a family dispute, Lok Adalats provide a people-friendly platform to secure justice. Citizens should stay updated with the official announcements of NALSA and State Legal Services Authorities to know the exact dates and registration details for the 2026 sessions.

By taking advantage of these sessions, individuals can save time, money, and effort while contributing to reducing the burden on the judiciary.

Lok Adala Origins and Legal Basis

The concept of Lok Adalat is rooted in India’s ethos of resolving disputes amicably and locally—using mechanisms inspired by community-level dispute settlement in ancient and medieval times. The modern statutory footing, however, came with the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, which institutionalized Lok Adalats across India, making them part of India’s official legal services structure.

Under this Act, the states and union territories are required to set up legal services authorities, which in turn organize Lok Adalats. The awards made by Lok Adalats are given the status of a decree of a civil court and are binding on parties, with no further appeal (under normal circumstances).

Another dimension was introduced in the form of Permanent Lok Adalats (PLAs), for matters relating to public utility services such as transport, postal services, and water supply. Permanent Lok Adalats handle disputes in pre-litigation stages for such services and have special procedural flexibility, as they are not strictly bound by the Code of Civil Procedure or the Indian Evidence Act in their workings.

Thus, Lok Adalat in India today is a legally recognized mechanism—not an informal or extra-legal body—but one embedded into India’s justice delivery ecosystem.

Types of Lok Adalat

Lok Adalats in India exist in various forms and at multiple levels of the judicial–legal system. Each is designed to cater to different kinds of disputes, geographical spread, and administrative convenience. Broadly, the main types are:

National Lok Adalat: These are organized across the country on predetermined dates, generally quarterly. On a given day, all courts from the Supreme Court down to Taluk courts attempt to resolve as many cases as possible.
State Lok Adalat: Each State Legal Services Authority organizes Lok Adalats per its own schedule and in coordination with district-level bodies, often focusing on local disputes.
District / Taluk / Subordinate Court Lok Adalats: At more local levels, district and taluk (or tehsil) bodies run Lok Adalats to handle pending and pre-litigation cases in courts under their jurisdiction.
Mega Lok Adalat: Occasionally, an entire state may hold a “mega” Lok Adalat—where all courts in that state hold Lok Adalats simultaneously on a single day, maximizing outreach and case disposal.
Mobile Lok Adalat: These are occasional Lok Adalats which travel from place to place, especially to remote or rural areas, bringing the dispute resolution platform closer to people who may otherwise find it hard to reach courts.
Permanent Lok Adalat (PLA): As mentioned, these are specialized bodies for disputes concerning public utility services, exercising jurisdiction at a pre-litigation stage and sometimes deciding the matter if parties cannot compromise.

This layered structure ensures that Lok Adalat can address disputes of many kinds, at many levels, and reach people across geographies.

Jurisdiction and Types of Cases

Lok Adalat is not a general substitute for courts but has limited scope. It can take up:

Civil disputes including matrimonial, family, property, and maintenance cases.
Cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act (for example, cheque bounce cases).
Recovery of money claims.
Motor vehicle accident claims.
Disputes involving utility bills such as electricity, water, and telephone.
Labour disputes, including salary and wage claims.
Consumer disputes.
Some criminal cases, but only compoundable offences.
Pre-litigation disputes, before cases are formally filed in court.

However, Lok Adalats cannot take up:

Non-compoundable criminal offences.
Disputes where parties refuse to compromise.
Matters that demand detailed judicial interpretation or evidence.
Complex legal disputes involving technical issues.

The hallmark of Lok Adalat is settlement. The members who preside are not judges; they act as conciliators. They facilitate discussion, propose terms of settlement, and try to bring parties to a mutual agreement. They cannot unilaterally impose a decision, except in some cases of Permanent Lok Adalats for public utility service disputes.

Once parties agree, the award (decision) is final, binding, and enforceable like a court decree. There is no appeal from Lok Adalat awards, though dissatisfied parties may start fresh litigation in an appropriate court. Importantly, no court fee is charged in Lok Adalat. If a case from court is referred to Lok Adalat and settled, the initial court fee is refunded.

Lok Adalat Procedure and Functioning

Lok Adalat is intended to be simple, flexible, and participative. A typical procedure includes:

Case referral or admission: Cases may be referred by courts or filed directly at the pre-litigation stage.
Constitution of benches: Benches usually consist of a judicial officer (or retired judge) and one or two other members such as lawyers or social workers.
Counseling and guidance: Parties are counseled about possible settlements.
Negotiations: The bench encourages discussions, proposes middle ground, and helps parties compromise.
Settlement and award: If agreement is reached, a settlement deed is signed, and an award is issued. This award is binding and enforceable.
Return to court: If no agreement is reached, the matter goes back to the regular court.

Because the process is informal and conciliatory, it is much quicker and less intimidating than traditional court procedures.

Advantages of Lok Adalat

Lok Adalat offers many advantages:

Speed and efficiency, often resolving disputes in a single day.
Cost-effectiveness, with no court fees and minimal expenses.
Access for weaker and marginalized sections of society.
Reduction in the judicial backlog by diverting cases from regular courts.
Finality and enforceability of awards.
Promotion of amicable settlements, reducing bitterness between parties.
Flexibility in procedure, making it easier for ordinary citizens to participate.
Refund of court fees when cases are settled.

In recent years, Lok Adalats have disposed of millions of cases across the country. In many sessions, lakhs of disputes—including cheque bounce cases, accident claims, and family matters—have been settled in a single day.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite successes, Lok Adalats face some criticisms:

Dependence on consent limits their scope in adversarial disputes.
Power imbalances may pressure weaker parties into unfavorable settlements.
Lack of detailed adjudication makes them unsuitable for complex disputes.
Absence of an appeal process may cause dissatisfaction.
Quality and fairness of settlements vary.
Limited jurisdiction excludes many disputes.
Implementation gaps and infrastructure shortages exist in several states.

Thus, while Lok Adalats relieve courts, they cannot completely substitute formal adjudication.

Lok Adalat Recent Developments

Lok Adalats have adopted new trends in recent years:

Online and virtual Lok Adalats during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The rise of specialized Lok Adalats focusing on traffic challans, bank recovery, or consumer disputes.
Enhanced awareness campaigns to increase participation.
Expansion of mobile Lok Adalats in rural areas.
State-level innovations like legal aid camps and mega Lok Adalats.
Greater emphasis on technology, training, and efficiency.

These innovations show that Lok Adalats are adapting to changing times and challenges.

Lok Adalat Success Stories

Lok Adalats have resolved crores of cases over the years. In many states, lakhs of disputes are settled in a single session, with compensation worth hundreds of crores of rupees being disbursed to claimants. For example, in one state-wide session, over 12 lakh cases were settled in a day, with claimants receiving nearly a thousand crores in settlement amounts. In another district, over 80,000 cases were disposed of in a single day, showing the massive impact of these forums.

Such success stories highlight the efficiency and effectiveness of Lok Adalats in providing justice at scale, while reducing the burden on regular courts.

Lok Adalat Future Outlook

Lok Adalats are expected to grow in importance, especially with the increasing backlog in Indian courts. Future trends may include:

Wider adoption of digital and hybrid Lok Adalats.
Stronger integration with mediation and arbitration frameworks.
Improved awareness campaigns to reach rural and marginalized communities.
Better training and infrastructure to enhance the quality of settlements.
Greater specialization of Lok Adalats for specific disputes.

These steps can make Lok Adalats more inclusive, effective, and sustainable in the long run.

Conclusion

Lok Adalat is a unique and powerful mechanism for providing accessible and affordable justice in India. It embodies the principle of justice for all by making dispute resolution simpler, quicker, and less costly. While it has certain limitations, its contribution to reducing the judicial backlog and delivering relief to citizens is immense.

In 2025, with National Lok Adalat sessions scheduled on 8 March, 10 May, 13 September, and 13 December, citizens have clear opportunities to resolve eligible disputes. By preparing well and approaching the legal services authorities, individuals can achieve settlements that save time, money, and stress.

Lok Adalat thus continues to play a crucial role in strengthening India’s justice delivery system and in fulfilling the constitutional promise of access to justice for all.

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Lok Adalat in India - 2025 / 2026 Lok Adalat Schedule