Table of Contents
Lok Adalat — speedy compromise resolution (2026 guide)
Quick answer: Lok Adalat is a statutory body for speedy dispute resolution under the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987. Free + no court fee + final + binding (no appeal). Suitable for: bank loans, insurance, small civil disputes, family matters, motor accident claims.
Key facts
- Statutory body under LSA Act 1987
- Free + no court fee
- Decision FINAL — no appeal (compromise-based)
- Suitable: bank loan, insurance, motor accident, family, small civil
- Held quarterly + special Lok Adalats periodically
- Both parties must consent
Step-by-step
- File case in regular court first — Or transfer existing case to Lok Adalat.
- Apply for Lok Adalat hearing — Court refers if both parties consent.
- Lok Adalat date fixed — Quarterly schedule.
- Both parties + advocates appear — Compromise discussed.
- Decision recorded as compromise decree — Final + executable.
- No court fee + no appeal — Decision is final.
Common issues
- Other party not consenting — Lok Adalat needs both parties; back to regular court.
- Decision unsatisfactory — no appeal; only writ petition for procedural illegality.
- Implementation issue — execution petition in same court.
- Specific Lok Adalat dates — RTI for schedule + case allocation.
If stuck — file an RTI
Court records are split: judicial records (case file, orders) follow CPC rules + court counter; administrative records (vacancy, infrastructure, listing logic, judges' assets) are disclosable via RTI to the court PIO.
1. Status of my case no. _____ as on date. 2. Reasons for delay / non-listing in past 30 days. 3. Number of similar cases pending + disposed in past 12 months. 4. Procedure to seek certified copy / file inspection. 5. Name + designation of court PIO + appellate authority.
Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the AI RTI Drafter →
Frequently asked questions
Truly free?
Yes — no court fee. Free legal aid via DLSA if needed.
Final + binding?
Yes — like a court decree. Executable as such.
Refused at Lok Adalat — what next?
Back to regular court. Cost + time savings if accepted.
Permanent Lok Adalat?
Yes — for utility services (electricity, water, telecom). Different from periodic Lok Adalat.
Summary + next step
Bottom line: Lok Adalat is a statutory body for speedy dispute resolution under the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987. Free + no court fee + final + binding (no appeal). Suitable for: bank loans, insurance, small civil disputes, family matters, motor accident claims.
- AI RTI Drafter: Auto-fill PIO + your case
- Browse all eCourts guides: eCourts index
- Helplines + grievance: 32 helplines
Related
Last reviewed: 26 April 2026.

