FIELD VISIT REPORT 2025

REPORT ON LOK ADALAT

(2025)
CAMPUS LAW CENTRE
UNIVERSITY OF DELHI

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At (Saket District Courts Delhi, 8th March 2025)

Submitted to Submitted by
Neelam Tyagi Name: Shefali
Assistant Prof. Exam Roll No.:
22309806776 Campus Law Centre Semester: 6th
(LLB)
Section - F

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Introduction:
The concept of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) plays a crucial role in modern legal systems
by offering an alternative to traditional court procedures. ADR mechanisms, such as arbitration,
mediation, and conciliation, aim to resolve disputes more efficiently, cost-effectively, and
informally. One of the most prominent forms of ADR in India is Lok Adalat, a mechanism that
aligns with the principle of ensuring accessible, affordable, and timely justice for all citizens,
particularly those from disadvantaged sections of society. This report provides a comprehensive
overview of Lok Adalat, its legal framework, its role in the judicial system, and its impact on the
legal process.

Definition and Concept of Lok Adalat:

Lok Adalat, or "People's Court," is a forum for the resolution of disputes through amicable
settlement. It is an informal system of justice wherein both parties to a dispute work together to
reach a mutually agreed-upon solution with the help of a mediator, typically a panel consisting of
retired judges, legal professionals, and social workers. The essence of Lok Adalat is its ability to
provide a quick and efficient resolution without the complexities and costs associated with formal
court proceedings.

Legal Framework of Lok Adalat:

The legal basis for Lok Adalats in India is primarily established under the Legal Services
Authorities Act, 1987. The Act provides for the formation of various legal service authorities at the
national, state, and district levels, which are responsible for organizing Lok Adalats.

Key provisions of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 include:

- Section 19: It empowers the Legal Services Authorities to organize Lok Adalats at
different levels (national, state, district, and taluka).
- Section 20: It defines the types of cases that can be settled through Lok Adalats, which
include civil and criminal matters (only compoundable offenses), family disputes, labor
disputes, and motor vehicle accident claims.
- Binding Nature of Decisions: Any decision taken by a Lok Adalat is deemed equivalent to a
court decree and is binding on both parties.

Structure and Functioning of Lok Adalat:

Lok Adalats are conducted at the following levels:

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1. National Legal Services Authority (NALSA): The apex body that oversees the operation of
Lok Adalats nationwide.
2. State Legal Services Authority (SLSA): Organizes Lok Adalats at the state level.
3. District Legal Services Authority (DLSA): Conducts Lok Adalats at the district level,
ensuring that disputes are resolved locally.
4. Mandal/Taluka Level: In some states, Lok Adalats are also organized at the taluka level for
more localized access to justice.

Procedure:
The procedure for conducting Lok Adalat is as follows:
1. Referral: Cases can be referred to Lok Adalat by courts, or parties can approach it
directly. Cases that are already pending in courts, or fresh cases, can be taken up.
2. Mediation: The parties, along with the assistance of a panel, engage in mediation. The aim is
to reach a mutually acceptable settlement.
3. Settlement: Once both parties agree on the settlement terms, the panel records the agreement,
and a decree is passed. The decision is final and binding.
4. Execution: The agreement made in the Lok Adalat is enforceable in the same manner as
a decree of a civil court.

Types of Cases Handled by Lok Adalat:

Lok Adalats handle a wide array of cases, including:
1. Civil Disputes: Property matters, breach of contract, torts, etc.
2. Family Disputes: Divorce, child custody, maintenance, etc.
3. Labor Disputes: Issues concerning wages, working conditions, and employee rights.
4. Motor Vehicle Accident Claims: Claims for compensation for injuries and damage caused
by accidents.
5. Criminal Matters: Compoundable offenses, such as minor assaults or disputes where both
parties are willing to settle.

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PROCEEDINGS OBSERVED

1) STATE BANK OF INDIA V/S SAOOD SALEEM

In this case the defendent took a loan of Rs. 5 lakhs from the plaintiff bank but After paying 5 EMI
he stopped the payment of EMI to the bank due to some reason. the court in this matter reached on
a final settlement between the parties that the defendent would pay the remaining Amount in 8
equal instalments to the bank.

2) KULBHUSHAN GUPTA V/S RAMESH SINGH

In this case the execution of a decree passed by a civil court was performed the decree was passed
against the defendent for eviction of a flat which was let to him by the plaintiff Sixteen months
before. in this case the defendent made an undertaking before the court that he would vacate the
flat next week on sunday. both the parties Agreed on the settlement.

3) TATA POWER DELHI DISTRIBUTION LTD. V/S RAHUL.

In this case the defendent was in Arrears of electricity bill of Rs 45000 and did not make the
payment despite repeated request. in this case the defendent agreed to pay RS 25000 as a
settlement amount as final Electricity bill. Both the parties agreed on the settlement the defendant
immediately made the payment before the court.

PURPOSE OF THE VISIT

The purpose of the visit was to understand and see the Actual working of Lok Adalats the nature of
duties of the judicial officers in the matter of lok adalat. the visit helped me to understand the
Actual functioning and purpose of Lok Adalats and how it is beneficial to the public at large.

the visit helped me to understand that justice is for all and no one can be denied justice only
because he is an Indigent or poor. the flexible Procedure Adopted for Speedy disposal of the cases
was appreciable and well understood. the reason why lok Adalats emerged as one of the most
efficacious tool of Alternative dispute Resolution was experienced personally through this visit.

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Case Studies and Statistics

National Lok Adalats have successfully resolved millions of cases. For instance, in the National
Lok Adalat held in December 2022, over 10 million cases were settled across India. These cases
included civil disputes, motor vehicle accident claims, and family disputes, among others. The
success rate of settlements in such adalats often exceeds 70-80%.

Conclusion

National Lok Adalat is a vital part of the ADR system in India, contributing significantly to
reducing the backlog of cases in courts and providing justice to citizens in a time-bound, cost-
effective, and informal manner. For law students, it is important to understand both the advantages
and limitations of this system as it plays a crucial role in the judicial process and in making justice
accessible to all. Moreover, Lok Adalats symbolize the evolution of the legal system, where the
emphasis is on reconciliation and peace rather than on adversarial litigation.

Suggestions for Future Improvement

Increasing Awareness: More campaigns should be conducted to raise awareness about the Lok
Adalat system, especially in rural and underserved regions.

Training for Mediators: Ensuring that the mediators and panel members are well-trained can lead to
more effective dispute resolution.

Incorporating Technology: The use of online platforms for Lok Adalats can help overcome
logistical challenges and ensure broader participation.

In conclusion,

the National Lok Adalat system stands as a significant and promising mechanism for resolving
disputes in a manner that is both just and efficient. It has a vital role to play in modernizing the
judicial system and reducing the burden on courts, especially in a country like India with a large
population and increasing legal cases.

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