Only 12% Cases Resolved In Year’s First Lok Adalat At District Court

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A mere 12,961 cases out of nearly 1.07 lakh cases were resolved in the first national Lok Adalat of this year, held at Indore district court on Saturday reflecting a disposal rate of only 12.14%. Despite the low number of resolved cases, the court passed settlement and compensation orders worth Rs 83 crore, providing relief to several litigants.

According to the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), 1.07 lakh cases were listed for resolution, including around 16,000 pending cases covering criminal, civil, motor accident claims, electricity disputes, cheque bounce matters, matrimonial disputes and revenue cases.

Additionally, 91,228 pre-litigation cases related to bank recovery and electricity matters were taken up. To facilitate the process, 81 benches were set up across different courts, including 62 in the district court, 11 in Dr. Ambedkar Nagar,four in Depalpur, three in Sanwer and one in Hatod.

However, the actual number of resolved cases was significantly lower than the total listed. District legal service officer Mithilesh Dehariya said that the Lok Adalat managed to settle 12,961 cases, which included 462 motor accident claims, 96 civil cases, 206 electricity-related disputes, 1,127 cheque bounce cases, 241 criminal compoundable cases, 133 family disputes, 36 labour court cases, 7 revenue cases, and 2,042 other civil matters.

Additionally, 8,646 pre-litigation cases were also resolved.  While the overall resolution rate remained low, the settlements resulted in Rs 83 crore as compensation and financial recoveries, bringing some relief to those awaiting legal closure. DLSA secretary and district judge Shivraj Singh Gwali said that the Lok Adalat, aimed at quick dispute resolution through mutual agreement, was expected to ease the burden of pending cases.