Alternative Dispute Resolution

Lok Adalat

Justice at your doorstep. Experience a speedy, cost-effective, and amicable way to settle your disputes without the long wait of traditional courts.

Learn Benefits Types of Lok Adalat
Lok Adalat

Speedy Justice

For the People, By the People

Zero

Court Fees Required

Instant

Binding Decisions

100%

Amicable Settlement

Why Choose Lok Adalat?

Major Benefits

Speedy Resolution

Disputes are settled quickly, often in a single day, saving you years of litigation in regular courts.

Cost-Effective

No court fees are involved. If a case is already in court and settled here, the court fee paid is refunded.

Mutual Agreement

Decisions are based on compromise and mutual consent, preserving relationships between parties.

Final & Binding

The award is equivalent to a civil court decree and is final. No appeal lies against the Lok Adalat's decision.

Informal Procedure

Rigid procedural laws don't apply. Parties can interact directly with the presiding officers for a simpler process.

Legal Sanction

Established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, giving it full statutory status and legal backing.

Diverse Formats

Types of Lok Adalats

Lok Adalats are organized at various levels to ensure that every citizen has access to this efficient dispute resolution mechanism.

Held across the entire country on a single day at regular intervals to dispose of a large volume of pending and pre-litigation cases.

Specifically for Public Utility Services like transport, electricity, and water. They can decide cases on merit if no settlement is reached.

These units travel to different locations, especially rural and remote areas, to provide justice at the doorstep of the people.

Cases You Can Resolve

  • Compoundable Criminal Offenses
  • Family & Matrimonial Disputes
  • Land Acquisition & Property Cases
  • Motor Accident Claims
  • Bank Recovery & Labor Disputes
  • Electricity & Water Bills
How it Works

Step-by-Step Process

01
Application

Apply to the court where the case is pending or to the Legal Services Authority for pre-litigation matters.

02
Reference

The court refers the case to Lok Adalat if there's a chance of settlement or if both parties agree.

03
Hearing

Presiding officers (Judges & Social Workers) hear both sides and suggest an amicable compromise.

04
Award

Once parties agree, an 'Award' is passed. It's binding and has the same status as a Court Decree.

Plan Ahead

National Lok Adalat Schedule 2026

14 March
2026
Concluded
09 May
2026
Concluded
12 Sept
2026
Upcoming
12 Dec
2026
Upcoming

Note: Dates may vary in some states and Union Territories. Please verify with your local State Legal Services Authority for jurisdiction-specific schedules.

Official Resources

NALSA & State Legal Services Authorities

The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has been constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 to monitor and evaluate implementation of legal aid programmes and to lay down policies and principles for making legal services available under the Act.

NALSA

Access official guidelines, schedules for National Lok Adalats, and national legal aid policies.

Visit NALSA Portal
SLSA

Each state has its own State Legal Services Authority (SLSA) to implement NALSA's policies at the state level.

Find Your State SLSA
DLSA Manual 2023
Manual For DLSA
SC E-book
Read Online
NALSA Newsletters
View Archive
Legal Services Act (Eng)
Download Act
विधिक सेवा अधिनियम (Hindi)
अधिनियम डाउनलोड करें
National Legal Aid Helpline

Dial 15100

Toll-free assistance for legal aid and Lok Adalat queries.

NALSA Logo

National Legal Services Authority

The Apex Body for Legal Services in India

Statutory Body Access to Justice

Find an Expert for Your Case

Connect with verified advocates who can help you navigate the Lok Adalat process and secure a favorable settlement.

Find an Advocate Contact Support