Early Times Report
JAMMU, June 23: In a major step aimed at speedy and consensual resolution of litigation, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has ordered Pre-Lok Adalat conciliation proceedings in identified matters pending before the Supreme Court of India in connection with "Samadhan Samaroh", which will culminate in a Special Lok Adalat before the apex court in August.
As per Order No. 943(A) of 2026/RG, dated 18.06.2026, issued by M.K. Sharma, Registrar General, the Supreme Court of India has launched the nationwide initiative titled "Supreme Court Action for Mediated Adjudication and Disputes Harmonization Across Nation - SAMADHAN SAMAROH", which commenced on April 21, 2026 and will culminate in the holding of a Special Lok Adalat on August 21, 22 and 23, 2026.
The order states that the Supreme Court has provided a consolidated list of 202 cases from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and these matters have been distributed among various judicial officers for perusal, identification of core issues and proposed solutions so that effective assistance can be rendered during Pre-Lok Adalat proceedings.
The High Court has directed that Pre-Lok Adalat conciliation sittings shall be organized at both wings of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh for taking up the identified cases. The nominated officers and mediators will hold the sessions as per the schedule appended in Annexure-A, and may also sit on subsequent dates wherever required for continuation and conclusion of proceedings.
At the Jammu Wing, sittings have been scheduled from June 30 to July 6, 2026, covering cases from Serial No. 1 to 92, while at the Srinagar Wing, cases from Serial No. 93 to 202 have been allocated to different benches. The schedule names retired judicial officers, advocates, panel lawyers and other nominated officers for conducting the conciliation process.
The order further directs the Member Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority, to instruct the concerned Secretaries of District Legal Services Authorities, in whose jurisdiction the parties reside, to issue notices in the approved format.
The move is expected to give litigants an opportunity to resolve long-pending disputes through settlement and mediation before the matters reach the Special Lok Adalat before the Supreme Court. (JNF) |
