March 29, 2026 : In a landmark effort to accelerate dispute resolution and reduce judicial backlog, the first National Lok Adalat of 2026 was successfully conducted across Telangana on March 28, settling over 11.19 lakh cases in a single day. Organised under the guidance of the National Legal Services Authority, the mega initiative showcased the growing effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in the state.
The statewide drive was led by Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, Chief Justice of the High Court for the State of Telangana and Patron-in-Chief of the Telangana State Legal Services Authority (TSLSA), along with Justice P. Sam Koshy, Executive Chairman of TSLSA. A total of 341 Lok Adalat benches were constituted across all judicial districts, including two benches at the High Court and two at the Debt Recovery Tribunals in Hyderabad.
The Lok Adalat focused on resolving a wide spectrum of cases, including pending civil disputes, criminal compoundable cases, consumer matters, and pre-litigation cases. According to official data, 11,19,083 cases were settled, comprising 2,535 civil cases, 10,31,317 criminal cases, and 85,231 pre-litigation cases. Compensation amounting to approximately ₹397 crore was awarded to litigants across the state.
The event was inaugurated at the district courts of Mahabubnagar and Gadwal by Justice P. Sam Koshy and Justice Natcharaju Shravan Kumar Venkat. Addressing participants, Justice Koshy described Lok Adalats as “People’s Courts” that facilitate amicable settlements with the same legal standing as court decrees under the Legal Services Authorities Act. He emphasised that decisions reached through Lok Adalats are final, binding, and non-appealable, offering a time-efficient and cost-effective alternative to prolonged litigation.
Justice Shravan Kumar highlighted the benefits of the system, noting its informal procedures and emphasis on direct dialogue between disputing parties. He encouraged litigants and legal professionals to actively embrace Lok Adalats as a means of achieving swift and peaceful dispute resolution.
At the High Court level, benches led by Justice Vakiti Ramakrishna Reddy and Justice G. Praveen Kumar disposed of 185 out of 241 cases, awarding compensation exceeding ₹10.57 crore. The initiative also included humanitarian efforts, such as the distribution of compensation cheques to motor accident victims and wheelchairs to specially-abled children. In a heartening instance, a couple resolved their matrimonial dispute and reunited during the proceedings.
Extensive awareness campaigns were carried out by TSLSA through print and electronic media, public announcements, and legal awareness camps, ensuring widespread participation across the state.
Officials credited the success of the Lok Adalat to the coordinated efforts of judicial officers, police personnel, public prosecutors, and litigants. Beyond significantly reducing court pendency, the initiative underscored the role of consensus-driven justice in fostering harmony and delivering timely relief to citizens.
