The latest National Lok Adalat conducted across Telangana has resulted in the settlement of an exceptionally large number of cases, offering swift legal closure and substantial financial relief to thousands of litigants. The exercise was organised under the supervision of the Telangana State Legal Services Authority (TSLSA).
Record Number of Case Settlements
Across Telangana, nearly 1.83 lakh cases were settled in the Lok Adalat. These included:
- FIR based criminal cases
- Motor vehicle violation cases
- E-petty cases
- Disaster management violations
- Civil disputes
- Cheque bounce matters
- Compoundable criminal cases
In Hyderabad alone, more than 32,000 cases were resolved, significantly reducing the backlog in district courts.
Major Financial Refunds and Compensation
One of the notable highlights was the clearance of cybercrime related refund claims. The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau processed refunds of ₹43.31 crore, benefiting 4,961 victims of cyber fraud.
Other Lok Adalat sessions across the state collectively awarded compensation worth more than ₹900 crore to litigants, covering accident claims, settlements in civil disputes and negotiated financial resolutions.
In another round of Lok Adalat proceedings, compensation exceeding ₹595 crore was awarded.
Special Lok Adalats and Judicial Oversight
A Special Lok Adalat held recently saw over 42,000 cases settled out of nearly 49,000 referred. These covered a wide range of issues, including Domestic disputes, Property related matters, Motor accident claims and other civil litigation.
A total of 319 benches were constituted for the state wide exercise, including benches in district courts, the Telangana High Court and the Debt Recovery Tribunal in Hyderabad.
Judges from the High Court emphasised the importance of Lok Adalats in easing the burden on the judiciary and ensuring quick settlements for litigants. They noted that Lok Adalats promote negotiation, compromise and amicable dispute resolution core features of accessible justice.
Citizens Benefit from Fee Refunds
Another major advantage for the public is the refund of court fees when a case pending in court is settled in a Lok Adalat. This makes the process cost effective and encourages mutually agreeable settlements.
Checks and Balances
While Lok Adalats promote speed and efficiency, courts have also reiterated the need for fairness. In at least one recent instance, the Telangana High Court set aside a Lok Adalat award due to a lack of proper procedure and violation of natural justice, underscoring that settlements must be voluntary and lawful.
Significance
The Hyderabad Lok Adalat has once again shown how alternative dispute resolution mechanisms can deliver wide reaching benefits, including:
- Faster closure of long pending cases
- Financial relief for victims, particularly in cybercrime
- Reduction of court backlogs
- Encouragement of mediation and compromise
- Cost free, accessible justice for the public
