Slug: 4th National Lok AdalatSurat: Surat district once again emerged as the top performer in Gujarat during the 4th National Lok Adalat of 2025, securing the first position for the third consecutive time by disposing of 3.07 lakh cases across all courts.According to officials, a total of 1,29,172 disputes were placed before the Lok Adalat for settlement between parties, of which 1,26,723 cases were amicably resolved. These settlements led to the permanent resolution of disputes involving a total settlement amount of Rs 358.86 crore.H A Barad, in-charge secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Surat, said the achievement was the result of sustained initiatives taken under the leadership of R A Trivedi, principal district judge and chairman of DLSA Surat. He said cases related to criminal compoundable offences, section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, bank recovery, motor accident claims (MACP), labour disputes, water and electricity bills, matrimonial matters, revenue disputes and various civil cases were taken up during the Lok Adalat.Notably, 3,640 cases under section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act were settled, involving an amount of Rs 119.91 crore. In addition, 1,60,537 e-challan cases were disposed of, with recoveries amounting to Rs 12.55 crore.Apart from litigation matters, 1,80,625 pre-litigation cases were resolved, resulting in settlements worth Rs 16.95 crore.Highlighting key success stories, officials said an execution petition involving Rs 1.12 crore was settled, while compensation of more than Rs 22.34 crore was awarded in 213 MACP cases, including 20 high-value cases. The Lok Adalat also cleared 179 cases that were over a decade old, along with 99 targeted cases.
