Dakshina Kannada: 3,264 cases referred to National Lok Adalat on September 19

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 17, 2026: A National Lok Adalat aimed at resolving disputes through speedy and amicable settlement will be held across various courts in Dakshina Kannada district on September 19 from 2 pm to 5.30 pm.

The programme is being organised on the directions of the National Legal Services Authority and the State Legal Services Authority. It will facilitate the settlement of pending and pre-litigation cases through compromise and conciliation, Principal District and Sessions Judge and Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Basavaraj said.

As of August 1, 2026, a total of 56,727 cases were pending before various courts in Dakshina Kannada. Of these, 8,515 cases were identified as suitable for settlement through the Lok Adalat, while 3,264 cases have been referred for settlement.

Through conciliation, 232 cases have already been settled and are ready for reporting, while 12 cases have been fully disposed of, Judge Basavaraj said.

The previous National Lok Adalat, held on July 11, resulted in the settlement of 2,665 pending cases. At that time, 57,510 cases were pending before courts in the district, of which 8,973 were identified for settlement through the National Lok Adalat.

Cases eligible for settlement include motor vehicle accident compensation claims, cheque dishonour and bank loan recovery cases, illegal sand transportation cases, labour and compensation disputes, matrimonial and maintenance matters except divorce cases, consumer disputes, land acquisition and compensation distribution cases, electricity and water charge disputes, and service matters relating to salary, allowances and pension.

Cases concerning birth and death certificates, as well as civil and criminal matters that are legally compoundable, can also be taken up.

Judge Basavaraj said the Lok Adalat provides litigants with a quick and cost-effective mechanism for resolving disputes. In cases settled through compromise, the court fee paid by the parties is refunded in full.

Since settlements are reached with the consent of both parties, the process can also help preserve relationships and avoid prolonged litigation. Awards passed by the Lok Adalat are final and cannot be challenged through an appeal, he added.

Mediation Drive 3.0

Under Mediation Drive 3.0, being conducted from August to December, 980 cases have been identified for mediation and 452 cases have been referred for the process, Basavaraj said.

During the Samadhan Samaroh 2026, a special Lok Adalat organised by the Supreme Court from August 21 to 23 to facilitate the amicable settlement of pending cases before the Supreme Court, four cases from Dakshina Kannada were settled.

DLSA Member Secretary Zaibunissa was present.