Patna, Advocate Suman Kumari, Legal Correspondent, 9th May 2026: In a significant step toward strengthening speedy and affordable justice delivery, Patna High Court successfully organized a National Lok Adalat on Saturday under the guidance and vision of Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo. The mega legal settlement initiative witnessed the hearing of a total of 1,057 cases across multiple categories, reaffirming the judiciary’s commitment to reducing litigation burden and ensuring accessible justice for common citizens.
The Lok Adalat benches took up a wide range of matters, including criminal compoundable cases, Negotiable Instruments (NI) Act disputes, bank recovery matters, labour disputes, electricity and water bill cases, matrimonial disputes, salary claims, retirement benefit matters, and other civil issues. Specially constituted benches worked throughout the day to facilitate amicable settlements between parties.
According to official figures, 144 cases were successfully disposed of during the Lok Adalat proceedings, leading to settlements involving nearly ₹2.40 crore. In addition, 324 cases had already been resolved during pre-Lok Adalat conciliatory proceedings, taking the total number of disposed cases to 468.
The successful conduct of the National Lok Adalat is being seen as another major achievement under the leadership of Chief Justice Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo and Justice Mohit Kumar Shah, who has consistently emphasized judicial accessibility, speedy disposal of cases, and litigant-friendly reforms since assuming office. Legal circles believe that his proactive approach has brought renewed momentum to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in Bihar.
Under his leadership, the Patna High Court has witnessed several citizen-centric initiatives aimed at modernizing judicial functioning, improving legal aid services, and reducing pendency. The National Lok Adalat initiative further highlighted the court’s commitment to ensuring that economically weaker sections and ordinary litigants receive timely and cost-effective justice without prolonged legal battles.
Advocates and litigants participating in the Lok Adalat appreciated the smooth coordination, efficient case management, and conciliatory environment created during the proceedings. Many litigants expressed satisfaction that disputes pending for years could finally be resolved through mutual settlement.
Judicial officers and legal experts also noted that Lok Adalats play a vital role in reducing pressure on regular courts while promoting harmony between disputing parties. The event demonstrated how alternative dispute resolution mechanisms can effectively complement the traditional judicial process.
The successful conclusion of the National Lok Adalat once again reinforced the growing reputation of the Patna High Court as an institution committed to judicial reforms, transparency, and public welfare under the stewardship of Chief Justice Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo.
