Patna: A National Lok Adalat will be held across Patna district on March 14, offering litigants the chance to settle disputes on the spot without paying court fees.
The session will begin at 10.30am and take place simultaneously at the Civil Court in Patna Sadar and at all subdivision-level courts in Patna City, Danapur, Barh, Masaurhi and Paliganj, according to the District Legal Services Authority.
Officials said cases would be resolved through reconciliation and mutual compromise, with decisions delivered the same day. Awards passed by the Lok Adalat are final and binding on all parties, with no provision for appeal.
The initiative is being organised by the District Legal Services Authority under the aegis of the District Legal Services Authority. Dr Thiyagarajan SM, the district magistrate and vice-chairman of the authority, urged residents to make use of the opportunity to secure speedy resolution of pending cases.
Parties seeking to settle disputes through mutual agreement may apply to the concerned court on any working day until March 13, 2026. Eligible cases will then be taken up during the National Lok Adalat on March 14.
The Lok Adalat will hear a range of compoundable and conciliatory matters, including petty criminal cases, cheque dishonour cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, electricity-related disputes, motor accident claim cases, civil suits, weights and measures matters, labour disputes, bank loan recovery cases and auction notices.
Authorities said that court fees already paid in cases settled through the Lok Adalat would be refunded. They described the forum as a simple, cost-effective and time-efficient mechanism aimed at reducing pendency and promoting amicable settlements.
