The first National Lok Adalat of the year in Tripura will be held on March 14, with proceedings scheduled at the Tripura High Court and at district and sub-division court complexes across the state.

A total of 26,574 cases are slated for settlement during the Lok Adalat through 45 benches. This includes 21,390 pending court cases and 5,184 pre-litigation disputes, according to officials.

The matters listed for disposal cover a wide range of disputes. Among them are 422 motor accident compensation claims, 204 matrimonial disputes, and 5,084 bank loan recovery cases. In addition, 100 cases related to unpaid bills of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) will also be taken up for resolution.

A major share of the cases — 20,718 compoundable criminal matters — fall under different laws, including the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Tripura Police Act, Tripura Gambling Act, and the Excise Act. The Lok Adalat will also address 28 cheque bounce cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 and 18 service-related disputes.

At the Tripura High Court, a single bench will hear 40 cases during the Lok Adalat session.

Authorities have already issued notices to the concerned parties. To assist litigants, legal volunteers known as “Adhikar Mitras” will operate help desks at the venues to guide participants and facilitate the process.

The Executive Chairman of the Tripura State Legal Services Authority, Dr. Amar Nath Gaur, has directed officials to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Meanwhile, Jhuma Dutta Chowdhury, Member Secretary of the authority, has urged all concerned parties to take advantage of the Lok Adalat to resolve disputes quickly and without incurring legal expenses.