Ludhiana: More than 1.1 lakh legal disputes were resolved in a single day across Ludhiana as a massive National Lok Adalat cleared a staggering backlog of cases, delivering nearly ₹200 crore in settlements.The alternative dispute resolution event, held Saturday at judicial complexes in Ludhiana, Jagraon, Samrala, Khanna, and Payal, saw 58 specialised benches preside over a vast array of civil and compoundable criminal matters. Under the supervision of District and Sessions Judge Harpreet Kaur Randhawa, the courts processed upwards of 1.15 lakh cases, successfully disposing of 1.1 lakh through mutual compromise.Among the most significant resolutions was a 12-year-old property execution case dating back to 2011, which was finally settled and withdrawn. In another poignant victory for the program, Vicky Kumar — a claimant left wheelchair-bound following a motor vehicle accident — received a 25-lakh rupee settlement from ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd., with payment guaranteed within 45 days.Judge Randhawa emphasized that the Lok Adalat system offers a finality that traditional litigation often lacks. Awards passed by the benches carry the weight of a civil court decree and cannot be appealed, ensuring immediate closure for participants while allowing for the refund of court fees.Total awards passed during the session reached ₹200 crore. Authorities confirmed that the next National Lok Adalat is scheduled for Sept. 12, with a special session for check-bounce cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act set for July 18. Residents seeking legal assistance have been encouraged to use the national toll-free helpline, 15100.
