Many people in Mumbai carry a case for years that both sides would settle on reasonable terms: a bounced cheque, a loan dispute, a family money matter, an old rent or injunction suit. A Lok Adalat is a one-day sitting where such matters can be closed by agreement. This guide explains what can go to the December 2026 Lok Adalat, how a case gets there and what a settlement means.
National Lok Adalat dates in 2026
| Lok Adalat | Date |
|---|---|
| First | 14 March 2026 |
| Second | 9 May 2026 |
| Third | 12 September 2026 |
| Fourth (next) | 12 December 2026 |
These dates come from the 2026 schedule published by state legal services authorities under NALSA’s guidance. Dates are sometimes changed, so confirm with the court where your case is pending or with the District Legal Services Authority shortly before.
What can be settled
The 2026 Lok Adalat notices list two kinds of matters.
- Cases pending in court: compoundable criminal cases, cheque bounce cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, money recovery, motor accident claims, labour disputes, electricity, water and other public utility bill disputes, matrimonial and family disputes other than divorce, land acquisition, service and pension matters, revenue matters, consumer matters, and other civil suits such as rent, easement, injunction and specific performance.
- Pre-litigation matters: civil and compoundable criminal disputes that have not yet been filed in court.
What cannot go: under Section 19(5) of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, a Lok Adalat has no jurisdiction over any case or matter relating to an offence that is not compoundable under any law.
How a case gets to the Lok Adalat
| Situation | Route under the Act |
|---|---|
| Your case is already pending in a Mumbai court | The court can refer it if both parties agree, or if one party applies and the court is prima facie satisfied that a settlement is possible, or if the court itself thinks it fit. The court must first give the parties a reasonable hearing (Section 20(1)) |
| The dispute is not yet in court | Either party can apply to the legal services authority organising the Lok Adalat, which can refer it after giving the other side a hearing (Section 20(2)) |
In practice, apply well before the date. Courts and legal services authorities prepare their Lok Adalat lists in the weeks before each sitting.
What a settlement means
- It is a decree. Section 21(1): the award “shall be deemed to be a decree of a civil court” and can be enforced like one.
- Court fee comes back. Where a case referred from a court is settled, the court fee paid is refunded.
- No appeal. Section 21(2): the award is “final and binding on all the parties”, and no appeal lies to any court against it.
- No settlement, no harm. If the parties do not agree, the case goes back to the court and continues from the stage it had reached.
Because an award cannot be appealed, read the settlement terms carefully before signing: amounts, instalment dates, what happens if a payment is missed, and whether all related cases between the parties are covered.
Permanent Lok Adalat for public utility disputes
Separately from the national sittings, the Act provides for Permanent Lok Adalats for disputes with public utility services (Chapter VI-A). A party can approach one before the dispute is taken to any court. To find out which Permanent Lok Adalat covers your area, ask the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority or your District Legal Services Authority.
Common questions
Can a cheque bounce case be settled at the Lok Adalat?
Yes. Section 138 cheque cases are expressly listed. If you have not filed yet, the statutory notice deadlines still apply; see the cheque bounce notice deadline.
Can I get a divorce at the Lok Adalat?
The 2026 notices list matrimonial and family disputes “except divorce”. For divorce by consent, see mutual consent divorce.
Do I need a lawyer?
Parties can appear themselves. Many people take advice on the settlement terms because the award is final.
Which court is my case in?
For western suburbs residents, see which court handles my case.
Sources
- Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, Sections 19, 20, 21 and Chapter VI-A (text published by a State Legal Services Authority)
- National Lok Adalat schedule for 2026, following NALSA’s letter of 4 December 2025 (Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority notice; Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority)
- Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority
This guide is general information. Whether a particular case can be referred is decided by the court or the legal services authority.