The District Legal Services Authority has scheduled the National Lok Adalat for December 13, covering courts across Sri Vijaya Puram, Mayabunder, Diglipur and Campbell Bay, inviting the public to submit ongoing or pre-litigation disputes for settlement. The announcement marks the latest in the series of nationwide Lok Adalats held to promote consensual resolution, reduce pendency and offer a cost-effective path for dispute disposal.
The Authority informed that the Lok Adalat will handle a wide spectrum of compoundable cases currently pending before various courts in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In addition to these, disputes at the pre-litigation stage will also be taken up, enabling individuals to resolve matters before they escalate into full-fledged litigation. The initiative aligns with the broader objective of easing the judicial load and encouraging alternative dispute resolution mechanisms that prioritise agreement between parties.
Among the categories accepted for pre-litigation settlement are cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, which typically involve cheque dishonour matters. These cases represent a significant portion of civil disputes nationwide and are often suited for settlement when both sides are willing to negotiate terms. Also included are money recovery issues, labour disputes, and disagreements involving electricity and water bills, provided they fall within the compoundable category. The Authority noted that non-compoundable billing disputes do not fall under the purview of the Lok Adalat.
Additionally, maintenance claims, civil disputes and matters arising under the Consumer Protection Act may be submitted for settlement if both parties are agreeable. The range of issues accepted reflects the Lok Adalat’s purpose: enabling individuals to reach mutually beneficial solutions through dialogue rather than prolonged court proceedings.
The District Legal Services Authority has advised members of the public with pending or pre-litigation disputes to file their cases in writing with the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Sri Vijaya Puram, on or before December 4. The advance submission is necessary for officials to process the applications, categorise them appropriately and schedule the matters for presentation before the Lok Adalat panels. The preparatory steps include identifying the nature of each dispute, coordinating between parties, and ensuring that the cases are ready for settlement attempts during the December 13 sitting.
National Lok Adalats are held periodically across the country under the supervision of the National Legal Services Authority, with state and district authorities coordinating local conduct. They serve as a mechanism for resolving disputes efficiently, reducing legal costs and encouraging reconciliatory outcomes. When settlements are reached in Lok Adalats, the decisions carry the same weight as a civil court decree and are final, binding on both sides, and not subject to appeal. This structure is intended to provide litigants with closure, enabling them to avoid the lengthy process of conventional litigation.
Authorities expect participation from a diverse set of litigants, given the broad range of matters being accepted. Many cases involving family disputes, financial disagreements and community-level conflicts are often well-suited for resolution through dialogue facilitated by Lok Adalat panels. Officials emphasise that the success of the programme hinges on willingness from both sides to arrive at a common ground.
The upcoming Lok Adalat will be simultaneously held at the District Court Complex in Sri Vijaya Puram, the Sub-Divisional Court Complex in Mayabunder, the Circuit Court in Diglipur and Campbell Bay, allowing residents across the Islands the opportunity to take part without travelling long distances. The decentralised approach is intended to make legal services more accessible and ensure wider participation in dispute settlement initiatives.
As preparations proceed, officials from the DLSA are coordinating outreach to inform residents of the opportunity and guide individuals on submitting their cases before the deadline. With the December 13 date approaching, the Authority has reiterated that individuals who wish to have their disputes settled amicably should make timely submissions to enable adequate processing.
