What this guide covers

Legal Services Authorities organise Lok Adalats to support settlement. A settlement requires consent; the forum should not be treated as a place to force a party to accept terms. Awards and consequences can be significant, so understand every clause before signing.

What to do now

Collect the contract, notices, calculation and proposed settlement terms. Identify non-negotiable issues and payment dates. Ask how default will be handled and ensure the written settlement accurately records the agreement.

Keep these records

Keep the referral, notices, authority to settle, calculation sheets, identity documents, signed terms and award.

Where to go

Contact the DLSA, SLSA or court legal-services committee for schedules and eligibility.

Important

This guide provides general legal information, not case-specific advice. Procedure, limitation periods, authorities and remedies can vary by state and facts. Verify the current official rules before acting.