Guntur DLSA tops State in civil settlements for six Lok Adalats running; 7,900 cases closed since July 2025

A systematic method involving identification of settlement-worthy cases, pre-Lok Adalat negotiations, close monitoring and coordination with judicial officers, the Bar and institutional stakeholders has enabled the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Guntur, to emerge first in Andhra Pradesh in civil case settlements for six consecutive National Lok Adalats. The recent settlement of a 43-year-old land acquisition dispute in Macherla mandal of Palnadu district is one outcome of these efforts.

The DLSA settled 7,900 civil cases in the six Lok Adalats held between July 2025 and September 2026. The number of civil cases settled was 1,076 on July 5, 2025; 937 on September 13, 2025; 1,407 on December 13, 2025; 1,784 on March 14, 2026; 1,655 on July 11, 2026; and 1,041 on September 12, 2026.

Apart from civil cases, the DLSA settled 1,07,710 criminal and 424 pre-litigation cases during the six Lok Adalats, taking the overall number of settlements to 1,16,034.

The sustained performance has been achieved under the guidance of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh Administrative Judge Justice Donadi Ramesh and the leadership and supervision of DLSA Chairman and Principal District Judge B. Saikalyan Chakravarthi, DLSA Secretary Syed Ziyauddin told The Hindu.

He said a key practice had been the setting up of a senior-level monitoring committee and station-wise identification of cases with a high possibility of settlement. These included small-value money suits, injunction cases, execution petitions, financial institution cases, old land acquisition matters and suitable motor accident claims cases.

Judicial officers physically examine case files and identify disputes suitable for settlement during pre-Lok Adalat sittings. Mediation techniques are used to facilitate negotiations and encourage parties to arrive at mutually acceptable solutions, Mr. Ziyauddin said.

The DLSA also coordinates with insurance companies and financial institutions to secure settlement approvals quickly. The Nazarath establishments are closely monitored to ensure timely service of notices and execution of warrants, particularly in execution petitions.

Regular progress reports, station-wise visits, interaction with Bar Associations and corrective supervision help address delays. Senior Judicial Officers also mentor junior officers and share successful negotiation practices.

This institutional coordination and continuous monitoring have created a result-oriented mechanism, making the Guntur DLSA a model for amicable settlement of civil disputes in the State, he said.