Himachal Pradesh Lok Adalat Ensures ₹162.5 Crore in Settlements, Resolves 87,914 Cases

From civil and matrimonial disputes to property, banking, and insurance-related matters, thousands of cases were settled in a landmark legal outreach.

Himachal Pradesh rewrote its judicial record by hearing 1,42,607 cases, resolving 87,914 of them, and ensuring settlements amounting to ₹162.5 crore. The National Lok Adalat emerged as the most extensive settlement drive the state has ever witnessed.

The initiative was conducted under the guidance of Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), and overseen by Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia. It was part of a nationwide effort by NALSA to provide accessible and expeditious justice.

Justice Vivek Singh Thakur, the senior-most judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and Executive Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority, actively participated in the proceedings.

Motor Vehicle Act disputes dominated the docket, with 1,22,608 cases heard, 78,223 settled, and ₹5.65 crore awarded in compensation.

Yet, beyond the impressive numbers, it was the human stories that resonated most.

In one case, a widow holding her teenage son’s hand broke down in tears after receiving a settlement cheque in a motor accident claim. “At least my child’s future is now secure,” she whispered, drawing nods of empathy from the judges.

Cases ranging from civil and matrimonial disputes to property, banking, and insurance were addressed in large numbers. Banks, insurance providers, government departments, and members of the public came together to bring long-pending disputes to a close.

Officials noted that the success of the day not only helped resolve a significant backlog but also gave meaningful expression to Article 39A of the Constitution, which guarantees equal access to justice for all.