Justice Sanjeev Kumar Inaugurates 3rd National Lok Adalat at Kupwara District Court
SRINAGAR: In a continued effort to uphold the constitutional commitment of providing swift, cost-effective, and efficient dispute resolution, the J&K Legal Services Authority—under the patronage of Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh and Patron-in-Chief of the Authority, and the dynamic leadership of Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Executive Chairman—organized the 3rd National Lok Adalat of 2025 across the Union Territory. The event aimed to promote amicable settlements in a variety of cases, including MACT claims, matrimonial disputes, cheque bounce cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act, money recovery, commercial disputes, and compoundable criminal offenses.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar inaugurated the Lok Adalat at the District Court Complex in Kupwara. On arrival, he was welcomed by Shazia Tabasum, Member Secretary of the J&K Legal Services Authority, Additional District & Sessions Judge Iqbal Ahmad Masoodi, and other judicial and civil officials. A ceremonial guard of honor marked the occasion.
During the event, Justice Sanjeev Kumar inspected multiple benches, interacted with presiding officers, advocates, and litigants, and commended the arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Lok Adalat. Several cases were resolved on the spot, and MACT compensation cheques were distributed to eligible claimants, providing immediate relief.
At the ADR Centre of the Court Complex, Justice Sanjeev Kumar held discussions with LADCs and panel lawyers, reviewing the progress of cases and urging them to work with greater dedication to ensure timely hearings and speedy settlements, thereby reducing case pendency.
Later, he visited the District Jail in Kupwara to inspect the facilities, including food and healthcare, and interacted with inmates to assess the status of their cases.
According to reports from Legal Services Institutions across the UT, out of 3,06,851 cases taken up by 167 benches during the day-long Lok Adalat, 2,39,533 cases were amicably settled, involving a total compensation and settlement amount of Rs. 50,50,78,932. The cases included Motor Accident Claims, civil, criminal, labor disputes, electricity and water bills, land acquisition, family matters, cheque dishonor, and bank recovery issues.
Shazia Tabasum, Member Secretary of the J&K Legal Services Authority, announced that the 4th National Lok Adalat of 2025 is scheduled for December 13. Litigants who could not have their cases listed or settled during this Lok Adalat will have the opportunity to do so in the next session.
