On the directions of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority, a National Lok Adalat was held in Thoothukudi district under the chairmanship of Principal District Judge and President R. Vasanthi. Hon’ble Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, Judge of the Madras High Court and Member of the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority, presided over the proceedings.
A total of 15 sessions were conducted across the district—six in Thoothukudi, two each in Kovilpatti, Thiruvaikundam, and Tiruchendur, and one each in Vilathikulam, Ottapidaram, and Sathankulam. Cases included civil disputes, criminal matters, motor accident compensation claims, cheque forgery, matrimonial disputes, and bank loan recoveries.
Judicial officers who took part included M. Thandavan, I-Additional District Judge, M. Preetha, II-Additional District Judge, P.V. Vasheeth Kumar, Sessions Judge, Special Court under SC/ST Act, and Chief Judicial Magistrate Rajakumar. Insurance company managers, bank officials, lawyers, court employees, police personnel, and litigants were also present.
Of the 384 bank loan default cases, 174 were settled, amounting to Rs 4.32 crore. Out of 3,876 pending cases, 3,212 were resolved, worth Rs 15.60 crore. In total, 4,260 cases were taken up, and 3,386 were settled, with a settlement value of Rs 19.93 crore.
The arrangements for the National Lok Adalat in Thoothukudi were coordinated by A.V. Subashini, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, and Senior Civil Judge.
