Mangaluru: A National Lok Adalat aimed at facilitating the speedy and amicable settlement of disputes will be held across various courts in Dakshina Kannada district on September 19 from 2 pm to 5.30 pm.
The programme is being organised under the directions of the National Legal Services Authority and the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority. It will provide an opportunity for litigants to settle eligible pending and pre-litigation cases through compromise and conciliation, Principal District and Sessions Judge and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Chairman Basavaraj said.
56,727 cases pending in district
As of August 1, 2026, a total of 56,727 cases were pending before various courts in Dakshina Kannada. Of these, 8,515 cases were identified as suitable for settlement through the National Lok Adalat, while 3,264 cases have been referred for settlement.
Basavaraj said 232 cases had already been settled through conciliation and were ready for reporting, while 12 cases had been fully disposed of.
The National Lok Adalat is intended to provide litigants with an alternative mechanism to resolve disputes without having to undergo prolonged court proceedings. Cases can be settled when the parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement with the assistance of the legal services authorities.
Previous Lok Adalat settled 2,665 cases
The previous National Lok Adalat held on July 11 resulted in the settlement of 2,665 pending cases in Dakshina Kannada.
At the time, 57,510 cases were pending before courts across the district, of which 8,973 cases had been identified as suitable for settlement through the Lok Adalat.
The upcoming session is expected to provide another opportunity for parties involved in eligible disputes to seek a mutually acceptable settlement.
Unlike regular litigation, Lok Adalats focus on compromise and conciliation. The process is designed to facilitate communication between parties and help them reach an agreement with the assistance of the legal services authorities.
Types of cases eligible
Several categories of disputes can be taken up during the National Lok Adalat.
These include motor vehicle accident compensation claims, cheque dishonour cases, bank loan recovery cases, illegal sand transportation cases, labour and compensation disputes, matrimonial and maintenance matters except divorce cases, consumer disputes, and land acquisition and compensation distribution cases.
Disputes relating to electricity and water charges can also be considered. Service matters concerning salary, allowances and pension are among the other categories eligible for settlement.
Cases concerning birth and death certificates may also be taken up. Civil and criminal matters that are legally compoundable can similarly be considered for settlement through the Lok Adalat.
The eligibility of an individual case depends on the applicable legal provisions and whether the dispute can legally be settled through compromise or conciliation.
Court fee refunded after settlement
Judge Basavaraj said the National Lok Adalat offers litigants a quick and cost-effective mechanism for resolving disputes.
One of the benefits for parties settling cases through compromise is that the court fee paid by them is refunded in full.
Since settlements are reached with the consent of both parties, the process can also help preserve relationships and avoid the prolonged proceedings associated with conventional litigation.
Basavaraj added that awards passed by the Lok Adalat are final and cannot be challenged through an appeal.
The settlement mechanism therefore provides parties with an opportunity to conclude eligible disputes through mutual agreement while avoiding further litigation.
Mediation Drive 3.0
The district is also participating in Mediation Drive 3.0, which is being conducted from August to December.
Under the drive, 980 cases have been identified for mediation in Dakshina Kannada, while 452 cases have been referred for the process, Basavaraj said.
Mediation provides another avenue for parties to attempt resolution with the assistance of a neutral mediator. The process is aimed at facilitating communication between disputing parties and helping them explore mutually acceptable solutions.
The mediation initiative forms part of wider efforts by the legal services system to promote alternative dispute resolution and reduce the burden of prolonged litigation.
Four cases settled during Samadhan Samaroh
Dakshina Kannada also recorded settlements during the Samadhan Samaroh 2026, a special Lok Adalat organised by the Supreme Court from August 21 to 23.
The programme was conducted to facilitate the amicable settlement of pending cases before the Supreme Court. Four cases from Dakshina Kannada were settled during the special Lok Adalat.
The development highlights the participation of litigants from the district in alternative mechanisms for resolving cases even at the highest judicial level.
Opportunity for eligible litigants
The National Lok Adalat on September 19 will provide litigants across Dakshina Kannada an opportunity to seek settlement of eligible disputes through compromise and conciliation.
The initiative is particularly relevant to cases where both parties are willing to reach an agreement, as the Lok Adalat process depends on the consent of the parties rather than a contested adjudication.
The DLSA has urged eligible parties to make use of the facility to resolve disputes in a speedy and cost-effective manner.
The programme will be held from 2 pm to 5.30 pm at various courts across Dakshina Kannada district.
DLSA Member Secretary Zaibunissa was also present.