Delhi Lok Adalat proceedings settled 1,76,379 cases and recorded compromise amounts totalling Rs 599.71 crore during the year’s third National Lok Adalat, giving citizens a large-scale avenue to resolve pending disputes through mutual agreement. The proceedings were organised by the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) across district courts, the Delhi High Court, debt recovery tribunals and other forums.
District courts accounted for the largest share of settlements, handling 1.74 lakh cases involving compromise amounts of Rs 317.42 crore. This figure included 1.38 lakh traffic challans. The settlement of these challans resulted in the collection of Rs 2.77 crore in fines, making traffic-related matters the most numerous category resolved during the proceedings.
The figures underline the scale of unresolved minor disputes in the capital’s justice and enforcement systems. Traffic challans can accumulate when vehicle owners do not pay fines or contest notices through regular channels. By bringing a large number of such matters before a settlement forum, the Lok Adalat enabled cases to be closed through consent rather than prolonged litigation or routine enforcement proceedings.
Debt recovery matters accounted for the highest compromise amount despite involving a much smaller number of cases. The debt recovery tribunals settled 97 cases, with agreements involving approximately Rs 252.83 crore. The Delhi High Court resolved 44 cases involving around Rs 10.87 crore, while district consumer dispute redressal commissions settled 284 cases for a total compromise amount of Rs 12.31 crore.
The permanent Lok Adalat dealing with electricity-related matters resolved 1,502 cases involving Rs 6.27 crore. These cases are significant for urban households and businesses because disputes over electricity services, billing and related claims can affect essential utility access and impose additional costs when they remain unresolved.
Motor accident cases also formed part of the proceedings. At the Rohini Court, the matter of Sarika Kwatra and others versus New Trishul Transport Service and others was settled for Rs 2.90 crore. According to the DSLSA, the amount will be paid by the insurance company to the dependants of the person who died in the accident.
The DSLSA said the purpose of the Lok Adalat was to secure speedy settlement of disputes through mutual consent. This session also placed emphasis on the digital Lok Adalat system, including online payment of traffic challans and the prompt updating of case information on the portal. The next steps for parties whose matters were settled will depend on the terms recorded in their respective agreements and the applicable court or tribunal process.
