Bridging Theory and Practice: ISBR Law College Students Witness Lok Adalat in Action
As per the academic instructions of the Karnataka State Law University (KSLU),
ISBR Law College organized an educational visit for its students to the Lok Adalat at the High Court of Karnataka, Bengaluru, on 13th September 2025. The visit was a critical component of legal education, designed to provide students with practical exposure to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms.
Objectives: Understanding Amicable Dispute Resolution
The primary goals of the program were to:
- Familiarise students with the structure, purpose, and functioning of Lok Adalat in India.
- Observe live proceedings to understand how disputes are resolved through conciliation and compromise.
- Analyse the contribution of Lok Adalat in reducing the backlog of cases in regular courts.
- Connect classroom learning on ADR and procedural law with real-world dispute resolution practices.
Proceedings at the High Court
Students assembled at the High Court of Karnataka and were guided to the Reception Hall on the Ground Floor, where Lok Adalat proceedings were being conducted in Courts CH-24 to CH-32.
The sessions were overseen by judicial officers, who were assisted by conciliators and advocates. The atmosphere emphasised compromise and mutual agreement rather than adversarial litigation, reflecting the core purpose of Lok Adalat under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Students observed the amicable settlement of disputes across various categories, including:
- Motor Accident Claim Tribunal (MACT) settlements.
- Matrimonial and family disputes.
- Negotiable Instruments Act (cheque dishonour) matters.
- Civil disputes like partition suits and property cases.
Key Outcomes for Future Advocates
The visit was highly successful in enriching the students’ legal knowledge.
- Students gained practical exposure to the functioning of Lok Adalat in a high court setting.
- They observed how amicable settlements save parties significant time and litigation costs.
- The session highlighted the crucial role of Lok Adalat in easing judicial backlog and promoting efficient access to justice.
- The overall experience greatly enriched their understanding of ADR mechanisms and their practical implementation.
