BUDGAM: Under the aegis of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority (J&K LSA), District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Budgam successfully organized 3rd National Lok Adalat of the year 2026 at the District Court Complex Budgam and at the Taluka Courts across the district today.
The National Lok Adalat was inaugurated by O.P. Baghat, Principal District & Sessions Judge, ?Chairman, District Legal Services Authority), Budgam, in the presence of Judicial Officers posted at the District Headquarters, members of the Bar, panel advocates, staff of DLSA Budgam and other stakeholders.
The Lok Adalat was conducted under the overall supervision of the Chairman and under 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.
For ensuring smooth and effective disposal of casesmatters amenable to settlement were identified in advance by the respective courts and placed before seven dedicated Lok Adalat Benches constituted by DLSA Budgam.
The Lok Adalat provided a comprehensive forum for settlement of a wide range of disputes, including civil disputes, compoundable criminal cases, cheque bounce cases, bank recovery matters, Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) claims, land compensation matters, matrimonial and family disputes, pre-litigation matters, social welfare disputes, labour disputes, revenue matters, BSNL-related issues, municipal matters and cases concerning various government schemes, besides other matters amenable to settlement in accordance with law.
During the Lok Adalat, a total of 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 ₹24036591 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 amicable resolution of disputes. Lok Adalats provide litigants with an opportunity to resolve disputes in a less formal, expeditious and cost-effective manner while also reducing the burden of prolonged litigation on the parties as well as the courts.
DLSA Budgam has been consistently undertaking various legal services and awareness initiatives aimed at ensuring that no person is denied access to justice on account of economic or other disabilities. Through its legal aid machinery, awareness programmes, counselling initiatives, legal literacy activities, pre-litigation intervention and Lok Adalats, DLSA Budgam endeavours to bring legal services closer to the people, particularly those who require assistance in accessing the justice delivery system.
The successful disposal of the cases during the 3rd National Lok Adalat 2026 is a significant step towards the objective of “Access to Justice for All” and reaffirms the commitment of DLSA Budgam to facilitating speedy, affordable and amicable resolution of disputes.
