Lok Adalat summons even after paying dues

509 votes

A pre-litigation notice from a Lok Adalat/Lok-Nyayalaya is generally a standard step banks and credit card companies initiate when their system shows dues, even if you may have already paid. Since you have proof that your dues were fully settled on July 31, 2025, and the settlement is also reflected in your credit card statement as of August 15, 2025, the notice itself does not carry any enforceable liability against you anymore—it is simply based on outdated records. However, it is advisable not to ignore it. If you physically attend (or send an authorized representative), you can place your settlement proof (payment receipt, settlement letter, and updated credit card statement) on record, and the Lok-Nyayalaya will close the matter in your favour immediately. If you do not attend, there is a chance the bank may push the matter into regular litigation, which though defendable, will waste your time and resources. The implications of attending are only positive—it’s informal, no court fee, and once closed, it protects you from future claims. Not attending could leave a lingering record that you failed to appear, and the bank may mistakenly treat it as a live dispute. So, while the notice technically has no force now since dues are settled, you should either attend with documents or send a written reply with proof of settlement to the Lok-Nyayalaya and the bank, so that the file is officially closed. This will give you final closure and ensure no adverse action or future harassment.

Advocate Sanil Sarkar LawRato