Supreme Court Launches Special Lok Adalat to Address Case Backlog

The Supreme Court of India has commenced a three day Special Lok Adalat as part of the Supreme Court Action for Mediated Adjudication and Disputes Harmonization Across Nation, known as Samadhan Samaroh. The initiative, which began on August 21, 2026, aims to clear the court's case backlog and provide a simpler way of resolving disputes. The process involves a wide range of matters, including matrimonial, property, commercial, and motor accident claims, as well as cheque bouncing cases.

During the proceedings, judges and lawyers shared the bench in a rare arrangement. Judges shed their usual judicial attire and sat below their raised platforms to interact more freely with litigants. The Chief Justice of India led one of approximately 15 benches, focusing on tax disputes and disposing of several long pending public interest litigations. Settlements reached during this three day period will be equivalent to judicial orders.

Justice P.S. Narasimha stated that the success of the initiative should be measured by whether it helps institutionalize mediation as a permanent, continuous process rather than just by the number of cases settled. He noted that mediation offers a voluntary and informal alternative to the time, expense, and uncertainty of prolonged litigation. However, he identified the shortage of trained mediators as a key challenge, noting that lawyers must relearn their techniques to become effective mediators.

Reporting on the event differed based on political lean. A center left source framed the event as a strategic move toward institutionalizing participative justice and permanent mediation. A center right source focused on the operational details of the event, highlighting the rare collaboration between judges and lawyers to clear the judicial docket.