Gurugram Court Explained
What Is Lok Adalat and How Does It Work? (Simple Guide)
Lok Adalat (People’s Court) is a legal forum where disputes are settled through mutual compromise.
It is designed to deliver faster, cheaper, and less stressful resolution—especially for civil, family,
and minor criminal (compoundable) matters.
Meaning of Lok Adalat
Lok Adalat literally means “People’s Court”. It is a dispute-resolution forum where cases are
settled on the basis of voluntary compromise between parties—without lengthy court hearings.
Lok Adalats are conducted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 and are generally organized by
District/State Legal Services Authorities. In Gurugram, Lok Adalats are commonly held in the District Court complex
and sometimes in special drives (including jail Lok Adalats).
settlement that both accept.
How Lok Adalat Works (Step-by-Step)
1) Case Selection / Reference
A matter can come to Lok Adalat in two ways:
- Pending case: A court may refer it to Lok Adalat if parties agree to settle.
- Pre-litigation: Parties can apply to Legal Services Authority to settle even before filing in court.
2) Lok Adalat Bench / Panel
A Lok Adalat bench usually includes a judicial officer (or a retired judge) and one or more
legal/social members. The aim is to facilitate a fair compromise.
3) Compromise & Settlement Discussion
Proceedings are informal. There is no rigid evidence stage like a trial. Parties can speak openly, and lawyers can assist.
The focus remains on reaching a settlement acceptable to both sides.
4) Award (Final Order)
If settlement happens, an Award is passed. This Award is final and binding and has the
same legal value as a court decree.
Which Cases Are Allowed in Lok Adalat?
Lok Adalat typically handles matters that are settleable/compoundable and suitable for compromise.
✅ Commonly Settled
- Civil disputes: rent, money recovery, partition by consent, contractual disputes
- Cheque bounce: Section 138 NI Act (often settled with payment terms)
- Family matters: maintenance, mutually agreed settlement terms
- Traffic challans: compounding/settlement drives
- Minor criminal cases: only compoundable offences as per law
❌ Not Suitable / Not Allowed
- Serious non-compoundable criminal offences
- Matters where no compromise is possible
- Cases requiring full trial & evidence determination
Note: Final suitability depends on the offence category, facts, and whether law permits compromise.
Is There Any Court Fee in Lok Adalat?
Usually, Lok Adalat proceedings involve no court fee. If a case already pending in court is settled in Lok Adalat,
the paid court fee may be refunded as per applicable rules.
Benefits
- Fast: Many disputes settle in a single sitting
- Cost-effective: Minimal expense compared to long litigation
- Finality: Award is binding like a decree
- Less stress: Informal environment, compromise-based
- Backlog reduction: Helps courts dispose of high volumes of cases
Lok Adalat in Gurugram (Gurgaon District Court)
In Gurugram, Lok Adalats are held periodically in the District Court complex. Special Lok Adalats can also be conducted
for specific categories (traffic challans, NI Act matters) and sometimes for undertrial matters through legal aid drives.
of litigation time.
Lok Adalat FAQs
Is Lok Adalat legally valid?
Yes. A Lok Adalat Award is legally valid and is treated like a court decree. It is binding on both parties.
Can I appeal against a Lok Adalat Award?
Generally, no appeal lies because the Award is based on mutual consent. If there are exceptional legal issues,
parties may explore appropriate legal remedies—consult a lawyer.
What if the settlement fails?
If no compromise is reached, the matter goes back to the regular court process and continues normally.
Can a case be settled before filing in court?
Yes. Many disputes can be taken up as pre-litigation matters through the Legal Services Authority,
especially where parties want a quick settlement.