Imphal | The third National Lok Adalat of 2026 in Manipur settled 404 cases and facilitated agreements involving Rs 5,20,51,973 across the state’s nine judicial districts and the High Court on Saturday. The one-day exercise was organised by the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) in collaboration with the High Court Legal Services Committee and District Legal Services Authorities.

The Lok Adalat took up both pre-litigation disputes and cases pending before courts, including civil suits, money recovery claims, matrimonial disputes, Motor Accident Claims Tribunal cases and bank recovery matters.

Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur and MASLSA Patron-in-Chief Justice M Sundar visited the proceedings at the Lamphel Court Complex along with HCLSC Chairman Justice A Guneshwar Sharma. They interacted with judicial officers, lawyers and litigants and presented Lok Adalat awards to parties who reached settlements.

Speaking to the media, Justice Sundar highlighted the role of Lok Adalats in providing speedy and mutually acceptable dispute resolution without prolonged litigation. He said Saturday’s session was the third National Lok Adalat held in Manipur this year, following sessions in March and May.

Justice Sundar also highlighted the settlement of financial disputes, saying participating bank officials were authorised to offer substantial concessions to borrowers. In some cases, concessions included waivers of more than 50 per cent of the principal amount, while interest was fully waived in deserving cases.

He urged litigants to make greater use of Lok Adalats and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to resolve disputes amicably. The fourth National Lok Adalat of 2026 will be held on December 12, Justice Sundar said, urging litigants to participate in large numbers.

Meanwhile, MASLSA Executive Chairman Justice A Bimol Singh inspected proceedings at the Thoubal Court Complex and presented awards to parties who successfully settled their disputes.