Sri Vijaya Puram, May 22: The Supreme Court of India has launched a nationwide initiative aimed at encouraging amicable settlement of pending disputes through a Special Lok Adalat scheduled to be held from August 21 to 23, 2026, as part of its “Supreme Court Action for Mediated Adjudication and Disputes Harmonization Across the Nation – Samadhan Samaroh” programme.
According to an official communication issued in Sri Vijaya Puram on May 21, the initiative commenced on April 21 and will culminate in the three-day Special Lok Adalat intended to facilitate consent-based resolution of matters pending before the apex court.
The programme seeks to reduce prolonged litigation by promoting mediated settlements between parties willing to resolve disputes outside the conventional adversarial process. Stakeholders, litigants and advocates have been urged to participate either physically or virtually through the online platform arranged for the purpose.
The Supreme Court has invited interested parties to submit their requests through an online Google Form made available for registrations and participation. The form is accessible through the official Supreme Court website and is expected to streamline identification of matters suitable for settlement through mutual consent.
Officials associated with the initiative said the exercise is intended to create an accessible mechanism for dispute resolution while easing the burden of prolonged court proceedings. Lok Adalats, recognised under the Legal Services Authorities Act, are widely used in India for settlement of disputes through negotiation and conciliation, often helping parties avoid lengthy legal battles.
The “Samadhan Samaroh” initiative reflects a broader emphasis on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms being promoted within the judicial system in recent years. Through mediation and negotiated settlements, courts aim to reduce pendency while enabling litigants to arrive at mutually acceptable outcomes in a less formal setting.
For coordination and assistance, the Supreme Court has designated a One Stop Centre (War Room) to facilitate communication with participants and stakeholders. Dedicated contact numbers and email support have also been provided for clarifications related to the programme and registration process.
The special drive is expected to involve litigants from across the country, including those unable to travel physically to New Delhi, as virtual participation has been enabled through the online platform. This hybrid approach is likely to improve accessibility and encourage wider participation in settlement proceedings.
Legal experts have increasingly pointed to mediation and Lok Adalat mechanisms as effective tools for resolving civil, matrimonial, service and compensation-related disputes, particularly where parties are willing to negotiate. Such forums often help save legal expenses and reduce procedural delays associated with regular court hearings.
The Special Lok Adalat initiative comes amid continuing efforts within the Indian judiciary to encourage faster disposal of pending cases through technology-enabled and people-centric approaches. By combining online participation with physical proceedings, the programme aims to extend dispute resolution opportunities to litigants across regions.
Interested parties have been advised to complete the registration process through the prescribed online form and contact the designated helpdesk in case of assistance requirements.
