In Jammu and Kashmir, continuing its efforts to fulfill the constitutional commitment of providing swift, cost-effective, and efficient dispute resolution to the general public and, in particular, the litigant public, the J&K Legal Services Authority, under the patronage of Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh (Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority), organized the first National Lok Adalat for the year 2026 across the UT on Saturday to promote amicable settlements in a wide range of cases, including MACT claims, matrimonial disputes, cheque bounce cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act, money recovery, commercial disputes, and compoundable criminal offences. An Akashvani Jammu correspondent reports that to ensure maximum participation and effective disposal of cases, pre-Lok Adalat sittings and pre-counseling sessions were conducted well in advance across the UT, encouraging parties to explore amicable settlement of their disputes. During the day-long National Lok Adalat, various Legal Services Institutions working in different districts across the UT took 76,707 cases in 194 Benches, out of which 67,993 cases were amicably settled and disposed of, involving an amount of Rs. 55 crore 86 lakh 33 thousand and 17 as compensation/settlement amount in cases like Motor Accident Claims, civil, criminal, labour disputes, Electricity and Water Bills, Land Acquisition, Family matters, cheque dishonor and Bank Recovery etc. Highlighting the importance of Lok Adalats, the Executive Chairman stated that Lok Adalats serve as an effective mechanism for alternative dispute resolution by enabling parties to settle disputes amicably in a speedy and cost-effective manner, thereby reducing pendency of cases and strengthening the justice delivery system. He urged the litigant public to take maximum advantage of such initiatives and resolve their disputes through consensus. Shazia Tabassum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority, also appreciated the coordinated efforts of the Legal Services Institutions across the UT in making the Lok Adalat a success and reiterated that the Authority will continue to strengthen the mechanism of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to ensure that justice reaches every section of society, particularly the marginalized and underprivileged. She informed that the 2nd National Lok Adalat of the current calendar year shall be held on May 9, 2026.