Over 11 Lakh Cases Settled in Telangana During 1st National Lok Adalat

The first National Lok Adalat of 2026 was successfully conducted across Telangana on March 28, under the directions of the National Legal Services Authority, leading to the settlement of over 11 lakh cases across the state.

The mega legal initiative was organised under the leadership of Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, Chief Justice of the High Court for the State of Telangana and Patron-in-Chief of the Telangana State Legal Services Authority, along with Justice P. Sam Koshy, Executive Chairman of TSLSA.

A total of 341 Lok Adalat benches were constituted across all judicial districts, including two benches at the High Court and two at Debt Recovery Tribunals in Hyderabad. The initiative focused on resolving pending and pre-litigation cases, including civil disputes, criminal compoundable cases, consumer matters, and cases before tribunals.

The Lok Adalat was inaugurated at Mahabubnagar and Gadwal district courts by Justice P. Sam Koshy and Justice Natcharaju Shravan Kumar Venkat, who highlighted the importance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in reducing court pendency and ensuring speedy justice.

Addressing participants, Justice Koshy explained that Lok Adalats serve as “People’s Courts,” enabling amicable settlements with legal validity equivalent to court decrees under the Legal Services Authorities Act. He emphasised that such settlements are final, binding, non-appealable, and help save time and litigation costs.

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Justice Shravan Kumar elaborated on the benefits of Lok Adalats, including cost-effective and speedy resolution, informal procedures, and direct interaction between parties. He encouraged litigants and advocates to actively utilise the system and contribute towards peaceful dispute resolution.

Extensive awareness campaigns were conducted by TSLSA through print and electronic media, public announcements, and legal awareness camps to ensure maximum participation.

According to official data, a total of 11,19,083 cases were settled during the Lok Adalat, including 2,535 civil cases, 10,31,317 criminal cases, and 85,231 pre-litigation cases. Compensation amounting to approximately ₹397 crore was awarded across the state.

At the High Court level, benches presided over by Justice Vakiti Ramakrishna Reddy and Justice G. Praveen Kumar disposed of 185 out of 241 cases, awarding compensation of over ₹10.57 crore.

The event also witnessed humanitarian initiatives, including the distribution of compensation cheques to motor accident victims and wheelchairs to specially-abled children. In a notable moment, a couple resolved their matrimonial dispute and reunited during the proceedings.

Officials said the success of the Lok Adalat was made possible through the coordinated efforts of judicial officers, police, public prosecutors, and litigants. The initiative not only reduced the burden on courts but also provided timely relief and promoted harmony through amicable settlements.