Kondagaon Gears Up for Special Lok Adalat on July 18; Banks Asked to Facilitate Settlement of Cheque Bounce Cases

Judicial officers urge banks and advocates to identify pending Section 138 NI Act cases and encourage amicable settlements before the Special Lok Adalat

June 9, 2026 : Ahead of the Special Lok Adalat scheduled to be held on July 18, 2026, a coordination meeting of bank officials and employees was convened at the Mediation Centre in Kondagaon to ensure the successful disposal of pending cheque dishonour cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.

The meeting was organised under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), New Delhi, and the Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority (CGSLSA), Bilaspur. It was held under the guidance of Principal District and Sessions Judge and Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Kondagaon, Shri Khilawan Ram Rigri. The meeting was chaired by Chief Judicial Magistrate Smt. Reshma Bairagi Patel and Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Kondagaon, Ms. Gayatri Sai.

Addressing the participants, the Chief Judicial Magistrate said that the objective of the Special Lok Adalat is to secure speedy, simple and mutually agreed resolution of pending cheque bounce disputes. She noted that settlements through Lok Adalats save litigants considerable time, expense and effort while also helping reduce the burden of pending cases before courts.

She appealed to advocates to educate their clients about the benefits of the Special Lok Adalat and encourage them to opt for amicable settlements wherever possible. Bank officials were also urged to actively support the initiative in the interest of justice and public welfare.

During the meeting, bank officials and employees were directed to scrutinise all pending cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act relating to their respective branches and ensure that the maximum number of eligible matters are referred to the Special Lok Adalat. They were also asked to establish prior communication with account holders, complainants and other parties, explain the advantages of settlement through the Lok Adalat, and encourage them to resolve disputes amicably.

The judicial officers further instructed banks to maintain close coordination with the courts, submit all necessary records within the prescribed timelines, and provide updated information on pending cases to facilitate smooth conduct of the Special Lok Adalat. All bank branches were urged to treat the initiative with priority and take effective steps to ensure its success.