J&K’s Lok Adalat Success Must Be Institutionalised

The recent settlement of over 91,750 cases in a single day across Jammu & Kashmir during the 4th National Lok Adalat is a monumental achievement that speaks volumes about the power of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). This initiative, steered by the judiciary and the J&K Legal Services Authority, is a profound affirmation of justice that is accessible, affordable, and amicable. For a region rebuilding its social fabric, the Lok Adalat model offers not just legal closure, but also a vital pathway to communal harmony and public trust. The benefits of this system are transformative. By resolving disputes through conciliation and consensus rather than adversarial contest, Lok Adalats alleviate the immense psychological and financial burden of protracted litigation. They provide a dignified forum where parties – be they families in matrimonial disputes, accident victims seeking compensation, or traders in commercial disagreements – can find mutually acceptable solutions. The staggering settlement amount of over Rs 76 crores in J&K alone underscores the tangible economic relief provided, money that flows directly to citizens instead of being exhausted in legal fees and prolonged procedures. For J&K, with its unique challenges and aspirations, the success of the Lok Adalat holds special significance. The high number of resolved cases, spanning motor accident claims, land issues, and utility disputes, directly addresses everyday grievances that, if left festering, can erode faith in governance. By bringing justice to the doorstep, through physical benches in districts and innovative virtual outreach, the initiative strengthens the bond between the citizen and the state. It demonstrates that the system is responsive and empathetic, particularly towards the marginalised. The pre-litigation counselling and extensive awareness campaigns conducted beforehand are the unsung heroes of this success. They reflect a system that proactively prevents conflict escalation, promoting a culture of dialogue over discord. This is essential for lasting peace. The J&K Legal Services Authority’s commitment to strengthening this mechanism must be hailed and sustained. The Lok Adalat has proven its worth; it is now imperative to institutionalise its spirit, ensuring that for every citizen of J&K, justice is not a distant promise, but a delivered reality.