Bandipora, March 8: The first National Lok Adalat of 2025 was held in Bandipora, marking a significant step towards providing accessible and efficient justice. Organized under the aegis of the J&K Legal Services Authority, the event brought together judges, legal professionals, and community members to resolve pending cases amicably.
The Lok Adalat at District Court Bandipora was conducted under the supervision of Chairman District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and Principal District & Sessions Judge, Khalil Ahmad Choudhary. Five benches were constituted, each comprising presiding officers and members to facilitate settlements.
The first bench was presided over by Khalil Ahmad Choudhary, with Advocate Shafeeq Ahmad Bhat as a member. The second bench was led by Additional District Judge Susheel Singh, assisted by Amandeep Singh (Munsiff/JMIC/Chairman TLSC Bandipora). The third bench was headed by Munsiff/JMIC Sumbal Rahila Rashid, with Advocate Ghulam Mohammad Bhat as a member. The fourth bench, presided over by Munsiff/JMIC Gurez Mehak Mehboob, had Advocate Javaid Iqbal Lone as a member. The fifth bench was chaired by Assistant Labour Commissioner Rabia Mir, with Labour Inspector Abid Naik assisting.
Various cases, including bank recovery disputes, criminal compoundable cases, labour disputes, revenue cases, money suits, cheque bounce cases under Section 138 of the NI Act, MACT cases, matrimonial disputes, traffic challans, BSNL cases, and other civil matters, were taken up during the Lok Adalat.
Out of the 291 cases listed, 78 were successfully settled, with a total amount of Rs. 25,21,015 awarded to the aggrieved parties.
Officials said the initiative aimed at providing speedy justice and reducing the burden on courts, reinforcing the commitment to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in Jammu and Kashmir.
