In February 2015, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) introduced a transformative initiative that would reshape how India’s courts address case pendency. Instead of sporadic Lok Adalat sessions, NALSA announced a structured, monthly calendar of National Lok Adalats, each focused on specific categories of cases. This systematic approach meant that every month throughout 2015, dedicated dates were set aside—consistently on the second Saturday—when Lok Adalats would be organized across all courts in the country, from the Supreme Court down to taluk-level courts.
This article provides a comprehensive examination of NALSA’s 2015 calendar, explaining how it was organized, which cases were prioritized each month, how the system worked in practice, and what remarkable outcomes emerged from this coordinated national effort to deliver faster justice.
What is the NALSA Calendar, and Why Does It Matter?
The NALSA calendar is an annual schedule published by the National Legal Services Authority that announces specific dates for conducting National Lok Adalats throughout the year. Think of it as a nationwide justice delivery roadmap—a commitment to the Indian people that on certain predetermined dates, every court across the country will be open and ready to resolve disputes through settlement rather than traditional litigation.
The 2015 calendar was significant because it represented a shift from ad-hoc Lok Adalats (held whenever needed) to a predictable monthly system. This predictability enabled better planning by courts, lawyers, and disputants. Instead of wondering when the next opportunity to settle a case might arrive, parties could mark their calendars.
Why This Matters for Case Pendency
India’s courts have long struggled with an enormous backlog of cases. When the 2015 calendar was introduced, the judicial system was groaning under nearly 3 crore (30 million) pending cases. National Lok Adalats offered a powerful alternative: settle multiple cases in a single day through amicable resolution, without the lengthy process of formal trials.
Understanding the Legal Framework Behind NALSA’s 2015 Calendar
To understand how NALSA’s 2015 calendar operated, it’s essential to know the legal and organizational foundation.
Statutory Authority
Lok Adalats are established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, specifically under Chapter VI. Section 19 of this Act provides for the establishment and conduct of Lok Adalats at different levels. This isn’t a voluntary program—it’s a statutory obligation, meaning the government is legally required to organize these forums.
When a Lok Adalat settles a case, the settlement award is deemed equivalent to a civil court decree (as per Section 21 of the Act). This means:
- The decision is final and binding on all parties
- No appeal can be filed against the award in any court
- The award is executable like any other court judgment
- Court fees paid during the original case registration are refunded
The Three-Tier Organization of National Lok Adalats
NALSA’s 2015 calendar coordinated Lok Adalats across multiple organizational levels. Understanding this structure clarifies how a “national” Lok Adalat actually functions:
National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) — The apex body that formulates policies, sets national calendar dates, and ensures uniform guidelines across all states.
State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) — Each state has an SLSA that implements NALSA directives and organizes state-level Lok Adalats.
District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) — Operating at the district level, DLSAs coordinate and organize Lok Adalats within their districts.
Taluk Legal Services Committees (TLSCs) — These are the grassroots organizations that conduct Lok Adalats at the taluk (local) level.
When NALSA announced a “National Lok Adalat” for a particular date in 2015, it meant that all these levels—from the Supreme Court through taluk courts—simultaneously held Lok Adalats on the same day.
Composition of Lok Adalat Benches in 2015
A critical aspect of NALSA’s framework was how benches were constituted. The 2015 regulations specified different compositions at different court levels:
At State Level — Each bench included a sitting or retired Judge of the High Court, plus at least one member from the legal profession or a social worker engaged in upliftment of weaker sections.
At High Court Level — A sitting or retired High Court Judge or judicial officer, plus legal professionals or social workers, some preferably women.
At District Level — A sitting or retired judicial officer, plus any combination of: legal professionals, social workers, or para-legal activists (preferably including women).
At Taluk Level — A sitting or retired judicial officer, combined with legal professionals, social workers, or para-legal workers.
This composition ensured that Lok Adalat benches brought together legal expertise, judicial experience, and community understanding to facilitate fair settlements.
NALSA’s 2015 Calendar: The Complete Monthly Schedule
In December 2014, NALSA announced the calendar for 2015. The calendar comprised nine scheduled National Lok Adalat dates, each designated for specific categories of cases. Here’s the comprehensive breakdown:
| Date | Month | Primary Subject Matter | Additional Cases (at some locations) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Feb 2015 | February | Bank matters: Cheque bounce (Section 138, Negotiable Instruments Act), recovery suits (pending and pre-litigation) | MACT, MTNL |
| 14 Mar 2015 | March | Revenue cases, MNREGA matters, land acquisition disputes | DISCOM, public utility services |
| 11 Apr 2015 | April | Labour law matters, family law disputes (excluding divorce) | MACT, MTNL, bank NI Act cases |
| 9 May 2015 | May | MACT (Motor Accident Claims Tribunal) cases, insurance claims | (Scheduled subject to court summer vacation) |
| 11 Jul 2015 | July | Electricity, water, telephone, public utility service disputes | MACT cases |
| 8 Aug 2015 | August | Bank matters: Cheque bounce (Section 138), recovery suits | MACT, bank NI Act cases |
| 12 Sep 2015 | September | Criminal matters (compoundable offences) | MACT, MTNL |
| 10 Oct 2015 | October | Traffic challans, petty civil matters, municipal matters | MACT |
| Nov/Dec 2015 | November or December | General (all categories) | All case types |
Understanding the Calendar’s Design Philosophy
NALSA’s approach was strategic. Rather than randomly selecting cases, the calendar prioritized categories with the highest pendency and greatest impact on common citizens:
Banking disputes received two dedicated months (February and August) because Section 138 Negotiable Instruments Act cases represent one of the largest categories of pending litigation in India. These cases—primarily cheque bounce matters—directly affect small traders and businesses.
Revenue and land matters were grouped into March because these disputes are deeply rooted in agricultural communities and affect rural populations.
Labor and family matters in April addressed disputes affecting workers and household relationships, areas where prolonged litigation causes particular hardship.
Motor Accident Claims and insurance were given May, recognizing how accident victims need swift compensation to meet medical and living expenses.
Public utility disputes in July targeted complaints against water boards, electricity companies, and telecom providers—services essential to daily life.
Criminal compoundable matters in September included offences where the injured party and accused could mutually agree to resolve (such as minor assaults, certain property damage cases).
Traffic challans in October addressed the massive backlog of traffic fines, particularly benefiting working professionals and vehicle owners.
This thematic approach made the calendar both predictable and relevant—disputants could anticipate when their type of case would be heard.
How the 2015 System Worked: The Lok Adalat Process
Understanding NALSA’s 2015 calendar requires knowing how a National Lok Adalat actually functioned on the ground. The process involved several stages:
Stage 1: Case Identification and Notification (Pre-Adalat)
Weeks before each scheduled date, courts and legal services authorities would identify eligible cases. For pending cases (already filed in court), the court registry would shortlist matters suitable for settlement. For pre-litigation cases (disputes not yet in court), the District Legal Services Authority would identify eligible matters from consumer complaints, unresolved contracts, and disputed transactions.
Once cases were shortlisted, disputants received written notices informing them of the date and venue, with an invitation to participate.
Stage 2: The Adalat Day
On the scheduled date, the Lok Adalat benches (constituted as per regulations) would sit in a non-formal, accessible setting—often in court halls or community spaces. The process differed markedly from regular court proceedings:
- No legal formalism — Parties didn’t need to follow strict procedural rules
- Informal setting — The atmosphere was collaborative rather than adversarial
- Conciliation focus — The presiding officer (judge) and panel members worked to facilitate settlement discussions between parties
- Direct party engagement — Often, disputants spoke directly without intermediaries, though advocates could assist
Stage 3: Settlement and Award
When both parties agreed to a settlement, the bench would record the terms and pass an award. This award had the legal status of a civil court decree—final, binding, and enforceable.
If parties didn’t settle, the case would typically be returned to the regular court system, though in some categories (like public utility disputes), the Lok Adalat retained the power to adjudicate.
Impact and Outcomes of NALSA’s 2015 Calendar
The 2015 calendar’s impact was substantial, reflecting what coordinated national action on dispute resolution could achieve.
Case Disposal Statistics from 2015
Third National Lok Adalat (14 February 2015) — Bank Matters
- Cases disposed: Approximately 56,000 cases nationwide
- Settlement amount: ₹265 crores
- Significance: In a single day, more cases were settled than many courts dispose of in months
Second National Lok Adalat (14 March 2015) — Revenue and MNREGA
- Cases disposed: 8.8 lakh cases
- Outcome: Massive relief for rural communities with land and agricultural subsidy disputes
Fifth National Lok Adalat (11 July 2015) — Public Utility Disputes
- Cases disposed: 64,830 cases
- Settlement amount: ₹115.81 crores
- Impact: Citizens received refunds and service resolutions from utility providers
Eighth National Lok Adalat (10 October 2015) — Traffic and Petty Matters
- Pre-litigation cases settled: 11.18 lakh
- Pending court cases settled: 5.18 lakh
- Total: Over 16 lakh cases in a single day
Year-End Achievement (2015)
- Total cases settled through National Lok Adalats in 2015: Over 72.10 lakh cases
- Financial value of settlements: Approximately ₹2,500+ crores
- Pre-litigation vs. pending: The majority were pre-litigation cases, preventing them from ever entering the formal court system
Why These Numbers Matter
These statistics weren’t merely impressive—they were transformative:
Burden Reduction — In 2015, when India’s courts carried roughly 3 crore pending cases, settling 72+ lakh cases (over 2.4% of the entire backlog) in a coordinated annual effort represented genuine progress.
Cost Savings — Most disputants saved on attorney fees, court costs, and the opportunity cost of attending multiple hearings over months or years.
Access to Justice — Because Lok Adalats charged no fees (and refunded prior fees), they provided justice to economically weaker sections who couldn’t afford prolonged litigation.
Speed — Cases settled in hours rather than months or years represented a fundamental shift in how quickly justice could be delivered.
Special Features of the 2015 Calendar
Adaptive Subject Matter Categories
One innovative aspect of NALSA’s 2015 approach was allowing flexibility. While NALSA fixed the primary subject matter for each date, individual State Legal Services Authorities could add supplementary categories relevant to their regions. For example:
- Delhi’s DSLSA, while conducting the February bank matters Lok Adalat, also included MACT (motor accident claim) cases, which were relevant to a major metropolitan court.
- Some states added public utility disputes from state-owned electricity boards even on months not officially designated for them.
This flexibility made the calendar responsive to local needs while maintaining national coherence.
Permanent Lok Adalat Distinction
It’s important to clarify that NALSA’s 2015 calendar referred specifically to National Lok Adalats—coordinated events held on predetermined dates. Separately, Permanent Lok Adalats (established under Section 22-B of the Legal Services Act) operated continuously in every district, handling public utility service disputes (transport, postal, telegraph, water, electricity) throughout the year.
The distinction: National Lok Adalats = periodic national events; Permanent Lok Adalats = ongoing local forums.
How Citizens Could Participate in 2015 National Lok Adalats
For individuals and businesses with cases suitable for settlement, the 2015 Lok Adalat calendar provided clear opportunities. Here’s what participation involved:
Eligibility Criteria
For Pending Cases — Any civil matter or compoundable criminal case already filed in court could be referred to Lok Adalat, provided both parties consented. Cases involving divorce, maintenance (in certain circumstances), serious criminal offences, or constitutional matters were excluded.
For Pre-litigation Cases — Disputes not yet in court—such as unpaid invoices, property boundary disputes, or consumer complaints—could be registered with the District Legal Services Authority for settlement at Lok Adalat.
Registration and Participation Process
- Check Eligibility — Verify that the case falls within Lok Adalat’s jurisdiction
- Contact DLSA — Approach the District Legal Services Authority office (usually located near district courts)
- Submit Application — File a simple written application with basic case details and supporting documents
- Await Notification — The DLSA would notify both parties of the scheduled Lok Adalat date and venue
- Attend the Adalat — Appear on the scheduled date; advocates could assist but weren’t mandatory
- Pursue Settlement — Engage in discussions facilitated by the bench to reach a mutually acceptable settlement
- Receive Award — Upon settlement, the bench would record the award, which became immediately binding and enforceable
Required Documents
While Lok Adalats didn’t require the formal documentation of court cases, having key documents prepared helped:
- Original dispute documentation (contracts, agreements, bills, receipts)
- Identity and address proof
- Any correspondence between parties showing dispute history
- Relevant copies of court filings (for pending cases)
- Bank statements or financial records (for monetary disputes)
NALSA’s Regulatory Framework for 2015 Operations
The National Legal Services Authority operated under the National Legal Services Authority (Lok Adalat) Regulations, 2009, which were refined through amendments over the years. Key operational guidelines for 2015 included:
Procedural Requirements
Case Listing — Before each scheduled date, the concerned authority (DLSA, SLSA) would prepare and publish a cause list, ideally at least two days before the Lok Adalat, allowing parties to prepare.
Bench Procedures — While Lok Adalats were informal, procedures ensured fairness: both parties had opportunity to present their positions, and benches could not impose settlements—both parties had to voluntarily agree.
Award Documentation — Settlements had to be clearly documented with party signatures and bench authorization, creating enforceable records.
Refund of Court Fees — The Court Fees Act, 1870, mandated that any court fees paid on original case registration would be refunded upon settlement in Lok Adalat.
Authority and Enforcement
Awards passed by Lok Adalat benches in 2015 had the same enforcement power as civil court decrees. If a party violated the settlement terms, the other party could move for execution of the decree through normal court procedures, ensuring compliance.
The Broader Impact: 2015 as a Turning Point in Legal Services
While the 2015 calendar was annual and time-specific, it marked a significant shift in India’s approach to dispute resolution. Key impacts included:
Institutionalization of Efficiency
Prior to 2015, Lok Adalats were often sporadic, held ad-hoc when particular case categories demanded attention. The 2015 calendar institutionalized the practice, creating predictable expectations. This predictability encouraged broader participation.
Scalability Demonstration
The 2015 calendar demonstrated that organizing Lok Adalats nationwide, on a single day, across thousands of courts, was operationally feasible. This proof-of-concept led to subsequent years adopting similar patterns, eventually expanding to quarterly or even more frequent National Lok Adalats.
Public Trust Building
As citizens experienced swift, fair, free dispute resolution through 2015 Lok Adalats, public trust in the mechanism grew. Previously, the poorest citizens had little option but to abandon claims (too expensive to litigate) or delay indefinitely. Lok Adalats changed this equation.
Burden on Formal Courts
By settling 72+ lakh cases in 2015, National Lok Adalats prevented these cases from consuming formal court time. In a system where many courts have 3-4 year case backlogs, this diversion of cases was material.
Common Questions About NALSA’s 2015 Calendar
Q: Was participation in the 2015 National Lok Adalat mandatory?
A: No. Participation was entirely voluntary. For pending court cases, both parties had to consent to Lok Adalat referral. For pre-litigation disputes, parties could choose to approach DLSA. However, courts often encouraged referral, and for certain matters (particularly public utility services before Permanent Lok Adalats), referral was compulsory before formal litigation.
Q: Why were certain cases excluded from the 2015 calendar?
A: Lok Adalats are fundamentally settlement mechanisms—they work only when mutual agreement is possible. Divorce cases were excluded because they involve status questions (legal marital status), not merely property division. Non-compoundable criminal offences (serious crimes) were excluded because victim and accused cannot simply agree to waive such matters—the state has an interest in prosecution.
Q: What if a party didn’t show up for the 2015 Lok Adalat?
A: If a summoned party failed to appear, the Lok Adalat typically considered it a no-settlement situation and returned the case to the regular court. In some circumstances, a bench might pass a “default award” based on the presenting party’s evidence, though this was rare and subject to judicial discretion.
Q: How did the 2015 calendar address regional variations?
A: While NALSA announced the national calendar, State and District authorities adapted it to local needs. Urban states with high motor accident case volume might prioritize MACT Lok Adalats; agricultural states might emphasize revenue and MNREGA matters. This flexibility maintained national coordination while respecting local priorities.
The Legal Precedent: Madhya Pradesh Legal Services Authority Case
An important legal affirmation of Lok Adalat efficacy came from the Supreme Court in Madhya Pradesh Legal Services Authority v. Pratheek Jain (2014), decided just before the 2015 calendar was announced. The Court held:
“Experience has shown that not only huge number of cases are settled through Lok Adalats, the system has definite advantages: (a) Speedy justice and saving from lengthy court procedures; (b) Justice at no cost; (c) Solving problems of backlog cases; and (d) Maintenance of cordial relations.”
This judicial validation gave weight to NALSA’s 2015 initiative.
Conclusion
NALSA’s 2015 calendar represented an institutional commitment to transforming how India delivered justice to ordinary citizens. By coordinating monthly Lok Adalats across the country, each focused on specific case categories, NALSA demonstrated that systematic, predictable justice delivery was possible even within India’s overburdened court system.
The calendar wasn’t perfect—operationally, some locations faced logistics challenges; some categories didn’t achieve targets; and certain regulations remained contested. Yet the outcome spoke clearly: over 72 lakh cases settled, ₹2,500+ crores in monetary disputes resolved, and countless families freed from the anxiety and expense of prolonged litigation.
For law students like yourself, the 2015 calendar offers several lessons. It shows how alternative dispute resolution, when properly structured and resourced, can deliver justice at scale. It demonstrates the importance of coordination between national, state, and district authorities. And it proves that India’s vast population—despite judicial constraints—can access meaningful justice through innovative mechanisms.
The 2015 National Lok Adalat calendar remains one of NALSA’s landmark achievements, a year when the institution committed to monthly justice delivery and, remarkably, met that commitment across the nation.
Key Takeaways
- NALSA’s 2015 calendar established monthly National Lok Adalats on predetermined dates, marking a shift from ad-hoc to systematic justice delivery
- Nine scheduled dates targeted specific case categories: banking, revenue, labor, motor accidents, utilities, criminal, and traffic matters
- The organizational framework coordinated Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts, and Taluk Courts through NALSA → SLSA → DLSA → TLSC hierarchy
- Over 72 lakh cases were settled in 2015 through National Lok Adalats, preventing judicial congestion and providing cost-free justice
- Bench composition regulations ensured a mix of judicial officers, legal professionals, social workers, and community representatives
- Participation was voluntary, making the system accessible while respecting party autonomy
- Awards had finality—decisions were binding, no appeals permitted, but enforceable like civil court decrees
- Strategic categorization reflected NALSA’s priority to address the largest case categories and those affecting vulnerable populations
- Legal framework under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, gave Lok Adalats statutory authority and enforceability
- Regional flexibility allowed states to adapt the calendar to local dispute patterns while maintaining national coherence
Note: This article is based on official NALSA publications, Government of India parliamentary records, official state legal services authority documents, and the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. Citizens interested in accessing Lok Adalat services should contact their local District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) office for current schedules and eligibility details, as the calendar is updated annually.
