Overview
The Supreme Court has identified 45,098 pending cases suitable for settlement through mediation and Lok Adalat mechanisms. This is part of the nationwide dispute‑resolution drive titled Samadhan Samaroh. The initiative seeks active cooperation from the legal fraternity to achieve “doorstep delivery of justice”.
Key Developments
- On 21 April 2026, a meeting chaired by the Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant convened with Supreme Court judges, the Attorney General, Solicitor General, and bar bodies.
- The SCBA issued a circular on 22 April 2026 outlining the programme and inviting lawyers to submit case details.
- The Samadhan Samaroh will be held on 21‑23 August 2026, focusing on large‑scale amicable settlement of identified disputes.
- A dedicated Google Form will be circulated to collect information on cases that lawyers deem suitable for mediation or Lok Adalat.
Important Facts
- Number of cases earmarked for settlement: 45,098.
- Categories of cases span civil, commercial, family, and other litigations deemed appropriate for alternative dispute resolution.
- Details of the identified cases will be uploaded on the SCBA website for verification by counsel.
- Advocates are requested to share case particulars or indicate suitable categories via the forthcoming Google Form.
Exam Relevance
The programme illustrates the judiciary’s proactive role in decongesting courts, a recurring theme in GS2: Polity (judicial reforms, access to justice). Understanding mechanisms like mediation and Lok Adalat is essential for questions on legal reforms. The involvement of the Attorney General and Solicitor General underscores inter‑institutional coordination.
Way Forward
For the initiative to succeed, the Bar must:
- Promptly verify case listings on the SCBA portal.
- Submit accurate case data through the Google Form to enable proper categorisation.
- Engage actively in mediation sessions and Lok Adalat hearings during the August programme.
- Promote awareness of the scheme among clients to increase settlement rates.
Effective implementation could significantly reduce pendency, set a precedent for future judicial reforms, and enhance public confidence in the justice delivery system.