Imphal: The third National Lok Adalat of 2026 in Manipur resolved 404 cases and facilitated settlements amounting to Rs 5,20,51,973 across all nine judicial districts and the High Court of Manipur on Saturday.
The single-day legal settlement exercise was organised by the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) in collaboration with the High Court Legal Services Committee (HCLSC) and the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs).
The Lok Adalat dealt with both pre-litigation disputes and cases pending before courts. The matters settled included original suits, money recovery claims, matrimonial disputes, Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) cases and bank recovery proceedings.
Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur and MASLSA Patron-in-Chief, Justice M. Sundar, visited the proceedings at the Lamphel Court Complex along with HCLSC Chairman Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma. During the visit, they interacted with judicial officers, lawyers and litigants and presented Lok Adalat Awards to parties who reached settlements.
Addressing the media, Justice Sundar highlighted the role of Lok Adalats in providing a speedy and mutually agreeable resolution to disputes without the need for prolonged court proceedings.
He said Saturday’s sitting was the third National Lok Adalat of the year, following earlier sessions held in March and May. The Chief Justice also highlighted the settlement of financial disputes, stating that participating bank officials were authorised to provide substantial concessions to borrowers.
According to him, the concessions included waivers exceeding 50% of principal amounts, while interest was completely waived in certain deserving cases.
Justice Sundar urged litigants across Manipur to make greater use of Lok Adalats and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to settle pending disputes amicably.
He also announced that the fourth National Lok Adalat of 2026 will be held on December 12, and appealed to litigants to take note of the date and participate in large numbers.
Meanwhile, MASLSA Executive Chairman Justice A. Bimol Singh inspected the proceedings at the Thoubal Court Complex and distributed awards to parties who successfully resolved their disputes through the Lok Adalat.