On 13th September 2025, the students of Vidhyadeep Law College visited the District Court to witness the proceedings of the National Lok Adalat. This educational tour was organized to give law students practical exposure to the functioning of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms. The visit highlighted how Lok Adalats play a crucial role in promoting affordable, speedy, and amicable settlement of disputes, in line with the objectives of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Purpose of the Visit
The major goals of this academic visit were:
- To provide students hands-on experience of Lok Adalat proceedings.
- To demonstrate the importance of mediation, negotiation, and compromise in the justice delivery system.
- To create awareness about the role of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in free legal aid.
- To bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application of law.
Observations at the Lok Adalat
During the Lok Adalat proceedings, students observed how disputes were resolved in a less formal, people-friendly atmosphere. Several benches were operating simultaneously, handling motor accident claims, cheque dishonor cases, matrimonial disputes, civil suits, and petty criminal matters.
Highlights of the proceedings included:
- Judges and conciliators encouraged disputing parties to arrive at a mutually acceptable settlement.
- Advocates played an important role in advising clients towards compromise and fair solutions.
- The settlement process was swift and cost-effective compared to lengthy court trials.
- Once a settlement was reached, the award of the Lok Adalat was final and binding, with the same effect as a civil court decree.
Learning Outcomes
The visit on 13th September 2025 provided valuable insights for the students of Vidhyadeep Law College. Key learnings included:
- Practical Exposure to the structure and functioning of Lok Adalats.
- ADR Awareness, emphasizing the effectiveness of mediation and conciliation.
- Access to Justice for common citizens through affordable dispute resolution.
- Skill Development in client counseling, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
- Social Relevance, as Lok Adalats significantly reduce pendency of cases in regular courts.
Impact on Students
The visit motivated students to actively participate in legal aid initiatives, Lok Adalat sessions, and awareness programs. Many students expressed interest in pursuing careers in mediation and arbitration, apart from traditional litigation. The experience enriched their professional outlook while instilling social responsibility and sensitivity towards justice for marginalized groups.
Conclusion
The visit to the National Lok Adalat at District Court on 13th September 2025 by Vidhyadeep Law College was a highly rewarding and insightful academic activity. It deepened the students’ understanding of alternative dispute resolution and emphasized the vital role of Lok Adalats in ensuring speedy, accessible, and affordable justice. Such educational visits play a significant role in shaping socially conscious legal professionals and strengthening the bond between legal education and justice delivery.
