Pre-litigation Lok Adalat application
Getting a dispute settled at a Lok Adalat without filing a case.
Opens Dastavo with this paper ready to fill, on this computer or in the app. No account needed.
iPhone and iPad: coming to the App Store · Android: coming to Google Play
Not yet reviewed by a lawyer. Check every line before it is signed.
How the paper begins
With Dastavo's sample details; the people and places are fictional. The words in blue are the ones you fill in.
To,
The Secretary,
District Legal Services Authority, Amarnagar
Subject: Pre-litigation reference to the Lok Adalat
Sir/Madam,
1.That a dispute exists between the applicant and Kabir Sharma son of Shri Dev Sharma, aged about 44 years, resident of House No. 7, Basant Vihar, Amarnagar, Tehsil and District Amarnagar, Punjab: the opposite party owes ₹3,00,000 lent to him on 20-11-2025, which he admits but wants to repay in instalments; the amount involved is ₹3,00,000 (Rupees Three Lakh only).
2.That no case about this dispute is pending in any court.
3.That the applicant wishes to settle the dispute amicably. It is requested that it be taken up at the pre-litigation stage under Sections 19 and 20 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, notice be issued to the other side, and the matter be placed before the Lok Adalat.
Thanking you,
Date: 12-10-2026
Vikram Singh
House No. 45, Gulab Colony, Amarnagar, Tehsil and District Amarnagar, Punjab
Phone: 0000000002
What to bring
Papers to bring
- The papers of the dispute: the agreement, bills, loan statement, notices and letters exchanged
- The other side's full name and address, for the notice
- Aadhaar card or another photo identity proof, with proof of the present address (photocopies; the originals to show)
- A copy of everything for the other side
Where to go
Given to the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority in the district courts, or to the Sub-Divisional Legal Services Committee. After notice to the other side, it is placed before a Lok Adalat, often on a National Lok Adalat day.
Fee
No fee: a Lok Adalat charges nothing, and legal aid is free for those who qualify.
Good to know
- A settlement becomes an award that is final, with no appeal (s.21); read it carefully before signing.
- If there is no settlement, you remain free to go to the court or the proper forum.
- Offences that cannot be compounded are not settled in a Lok Adalat.
Papers and fees can change. Check with the office before you go. Guidance only, not yet reviewed by a lawyer.
Stamp paper
Plain paper is enough.