Srinagar, Mar 15 (KNS) ; In a massive drive to deliver doorstep justice, the first National Lok Adalat of 2026 held at the District Court Complex here has resulted in the amicable settlement of over 48,000 cases, with compensation amounting to nearly ?5.7 crore awarded to litigants on the spot.
Organized by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar, the special camps were set up at the District Court Complex Mominabad and the Court of the Additional Special Mobile Magistrate/JMIC Panthachowk.
Officials informed news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) the primary objective was to reduce the burden on courts and provide swift justice through mutual consent.
A total of 12 benches were constituted for the drive. Out of the 49,252 cases taken up for hearing, an overwhelming 48,342 were resolved amicably. The total settlement amount awarded in these cases stood at ?5,69,81,763.
In a major relief for litigants, cheques amounting to ?1,50,82,485 were distributed immediately by the judiciary during the proceedings officials said.
The highest compensation was awarded by the bench comprising Additional Special Judge Anti-Corruption Srinagar, Ms.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelMehreen Mushtaq, and MACT Presiding Officer, Mr. Fayaz Ahmad Qureshi. The bench settled 38 out of 70 cases, awarding a whopping ?2,89,90,000 to claimants.
The Lok Adalat was formally inaugurated by Mr. Haq Nawaz Zargar, Principal District & Sessions Judge/Chairman, DLSA Srinagar. The event was held under the patronage of Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Executive Chairman of the J&K Legal Services Authority.
The Principal District & Sessions Judge personally inspected all benches to review the progress and ensure smooth functioning of the proceedings.
The benches were presided over by a battery of judicial officers including Ms. Kusoom Lata Pandita, Ms. Anjum Ara, Mr. Naushad Ahmad Khan, Ms. Renu Dogra, and others, who facilitated the settlements.
Legal experts termed the drive a significant step toward strengthening public faith in the alternative dispute resolution mechanism and ensuring accessible justice for all officials further added. (KNS)