Karnataka Lok Adalat clears 79 lakh cases, recovers ₹3,017 crore in disputes

In a major boost to alternative dispute resolution, a Lok Adalat organised across all courts in Karnataka by the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority (KSLSA) settled nearly 78.78 lakh cases, including 2,53,290 pending court cases and 76,25,039 pre-litigation matters. The total settlement amount reached ₹3,017 crore.

Justice Anu Sivaraman, judge of the High Court of Karnataka and executive chairperson of KSLSA, told reporters in Bengaluru that around 5.05 crore traffic challans were pending between 2019 and 2026. Of these, 19.13 lakh traffic challan cases were settled as pre-litigation cases, resulting in the collection of approximately ₹55 crore in fines. To encourage settlements, the state government, on a suggestion from KSLSA, offered a 50% rebate on traffic challan fines.

Motor vehicle accident (MVC) cases, cheque bounce cases, and execution proceedings formed a significant share of settlements. As many as 4,496 MVC cases were disposed of, involving settlements worth about ₹278.86 crore, while 10,817 cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act were settled for around ₹374.39 crore.

The Lok Adalat also resolved 3,590 partition suits involving settlement amounts of nearly ₹65.70 crore. Other major categories included execution cases, consumer disputes, and RERA-related matters. A total of 1,948 cases involving senior citizens were also resolved.

One notable case involved the recovery of an ₹8 lakh loan taken from Canara Bank. The dispute was resolved before the Chikkamagaluru District and Sessions Court through a one-time settlement of ₹15,000.

Justice Sivaraman announced that a special Lok Adalat for cheque bounce cases would be held on Saturday. Of the 4.52 lakh cases pending under this category, 64,191 have been identified for settlement.