Bemetara. The third National Lok Adalat of 2026 was held at the District Court in Bemetara on September 12, 2026, with Principal District and Sessions Judge and District Legal Services Authority Chairperson Saroj Nand Das inaugurating the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp. She encouraged litigants to resolve disputes through mutual consent and amicable settlements.
A total of 14,246 pre-litigation and pending cases were taken up for settlement during the Lok Adalat. The proceedings resulted in the disposal of 41 criminal cases, 12 civil cases, 19 family cases, six cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 12 motor accident claim cases and 2,788 other cases. An award amounting to ₹2,82,19,127 was passed, while the total settlement amount recovered in the district stood at ₹3,02,10,140.
For the convenience of litigants, legal aid and health desks, a mobile medical van, and facilitation stalls of banks, the electricity department, municipality and BSNL were set up. Twenty-three bank cases and 51 electricity-related cases were also resolved. Ten Lok Adalat benches were constituted across the district, including nine at the District Court and one at Saja Tehsil Court.
The event also focused on legal awareness. The District Legal Services Authority used a Justice Tree, entrance displays, pamphlets and short films to spread information about free legal aid, cybercrime, domestic violence, road safety, motor accident claims and other legal issues. Plants were also distributed to litigants who reached settlements.
In one case under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, mediation led to a settlement of ₹1.20 lakh, payable in six instalments. Several criminal and civil disputes were similarly resolved through mutual compromise.
The Family Court recorded a notable outcome, with 19 cases disposed of and six couples reunited following counselling and settlement efforts by Family Court Judge Madhusudan Chandrakar. In several cases, repeated counselling helped resolve long-standing matrimonial disputes, allowing the couples to return home together.
The third National Lok Adalat of 2026 thus highlighted the role of mediation, conciliation and mutual settlement in providing litigants with affordable, accessible and speedy justice.
