DIMAPUR: The 3rd Quarterly National Lok Adalat held across Nagaland on September 12, 2026, under the aegis of the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA), recorded an impressive disposal rate of 87 percent. Altogether, 444 cases were taken up during the exercise, of which 387 were disposed, amounting to a total settlement of Rs.5,25,66,901.20. Out of these, 318 cases at the pre litigation stage and 69 pending cases were disposed. Eleven benches were set up in the district headquarters of the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs), reflecting the extensive reach of the initiative.
The Lok Adalat dealt with a wide range of matters, including bank recovery, loan recovery, telephone bills, criminal compoundable offences, Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) cases, and other civil disputes. The exercise demonstrated the effectiveness of Lok Adalats in providing speedy, amicable, and cost effective resolution of disputes, thereby reducing pendency in courts and ensuring access to justice for citizens.
In Tuensang, the District Legal Services Authority conducted the Lok Adalat at the District Court Complex, presided over by Principal District & Sessions Judge cum chairman, Somet Chumden Chang. A total of five cases involving an outstanding amount of Rs. 23,19,547 were taken up, all of which were disposed with a settlement of Rs. 8,61,913. Zunheboto DLSA, under the chairmanship of District & Sessions Judge Atoka Achumi, disposed of five pre litigation bank recovery cases with a settlement amount of Rs. 20,63,645.
Mokokchung DLSA, chaired by District & Sessions Judge Victo Sema, took up 11 pre litigation bank recovery cases, of which 10 were disposed with a settlement of Rs. 8,85,610. Mon DLSA, under District & Sessions Judge Nokshei Kano, took up 19 cases, of which 16 were disposed with a settlement of Rs. 48,78,450. Phek DLSA, chaired by District & Sessions Judge Duvelu Vero, disposed of all 37 pre litigation bank recovery cases taken up, with a settlement of Rs. 35,41,222.
Wokha DLSA, presided over by Judicial Magistrate First Class Vitsino Iralu, took up 10 cases, of which seven were settled, amounting to Rs. 1,91,500. Peren DLSA, under Chief Judicial Magistrate Khrievono Seletsu, took up 52 cases, including 51 bank recovery and one electricity bill dispute, of which 42 were settled with a settlement of Rs. 16,23,400. Longleng DLSA, presided over by Chief Judicial Magistrate Kumdilong Kessen, took up 10 cases, of which six were disposed with a settlement of Rs. 5,68,957.22.
Kiphire DLSA, under Chief Judicial Magistrate Holika Sukhalu, took up 47 pre litigation bank recovery cases, of which 44 were disposed with a settlement of Rs. 14,49,792. Dimapur DLSA, chaired by Longshithung Ezung and Julian, disposed of 152 cases, including 123 bank recovery, three MACT, 25 BSNL, and one mediation case, with a total settlement of Rs. 1,71,30,176. Kohima DLSA, chaired by Principal District & Sessions Judge Mezivolu T. Therieh, settled 62 cases, including 52 bank recovery, eight BSNL, one commercial suit, and one NI Act case, with a settlement of Rs. 1,93,72,236.
The success of the National Lok Adalat in Nagaland highlights the growing acceptance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. By resolving disputes at both pre litigation and pending stages, the Lok Adalat has provided relief to litigants, reduced the burden on courts, and promoted harmony within communities.