Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, March 9: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Dakshina Kannada, will organise the National Lok Adalat on March 14, at court complexes across the district to provide speedy and low-cost justice to the public.
The initiative aims to resolve various pending disputes through amicable settlement with the assistance of judges, mediators and officials from concerned departments. The Lok Adalat encourages both parties to settle their disputes mutually, helping them maintain relationships while avoiding lengthy court procedures.
Cases related to electricity and water bills, service matters such as salary, allowances and pension disputes, and issues related to birth certificates will be taken up for settlement. In addition, all types of civil and criminal cases that are legally permissible for compromise will also be considered.
During the proceedings, judges and officials from different departments will act as mediators and guide the parties towards an amicable settlement. When disputes are settled through Lok Adalat, the court fee paid by the parties will be fully refunded, and the decision will be final with no further appeal.
This system provides a valuable opportunity for citizens to resolve disputes quickly with minimal expense while saving time and maintaining cordial relationships.
People whose cases are pending in courts may approach the mediation centres located at the Dakshina Kannada District Court Complex and at the taluk court complexes. If cases are pending before the High Court, the parties can contact mediation centres located at the High Court benches in Bengaluru, Dharwad and Kalaburagi for further information.
According to the District Legal Services Authority, Mangaluru, chaired by principal district and sessions judge Basavaraj, with Zaibunnisa serving as member secretary, a total of 54,677 cases were pending as of February 1, 2026. Of these, 3,000 cases have been identified as suitable for settlement in the upcoming National Lok Adalat.
Under the ongoing Mediation Drive 2.0, which began on January 2, 2026, 931 cases have already been settled. A total of 79 mediators have been appointed to facilitate the process.
In the previous National Lok Adalat held on December 13, 2025, 3,499 pending cases were disposed of, involving a settlement amount of Rs 32,54,73,958. Additionally, 2,94,167 pre-litigation cases were settled with a total amount of Rs 102,94,65,632.
Authorities have urged the public to take advantage of the Lok Adalat and resolve their disputes through mutual settlement for quick and effective justice.