Bilaspur, December 14th, 2024: This year’s last National Lok Adalat was successfully organized on 14th December 2024 across the State under the able guidance of Hon’ble Shri Justice Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice, High Court of Chhattisgarh, and Patron-in-Chief of the Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority.
This National Lok Adalat spanned across the State from the Taluka courts to the High Court, making justice more approachable and swifter for the common people.
To monitor the effective settlement of cases under National Lok Adalat for maximum resolution of disputes in the State, Hon’ble Shri Justice Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice, High Court of Chhattisgarh, virtually connected with District Court Raipur and Durg and interacted with Principal District Judges encouraging them for successful resolution of disputes in National Lok Adalat. Hon’ble Chief Justice Shri Ramesh Sinha’s engagement was pivotal towards the success of National Lok Adalat, as His Lordship shared insights, assessed ongoing proceedings, and inspired Judicial Officers.
Hon’ble Chief Justice Shri Ramesh Sinha also virtually connected with benches of Hon’ble Shri Justice B.D. Guru and Hon’ble Shri Justice A.K. Prasad during National Lok Adalat at High Court of Chhattisgarh. Under the noble leadership of Hon’ble The Chief Justice, meticulous efforts towards preparations of this National Lok Adalat were undertaken throughout the State, including pre-sittings and counseling sessions, where parties were encouraged to settle disputes amicably.
Moreover, to broaden the horizon of Access to Justice in Lok Adalats by leveraging technology with the deployment of mobile vans and virtual platforms, settlements were undertaken ensuring that justice was not only served in physical courtrooms but also through virtual means, removing barriers for those unable to travel and access Courtrooms.
The National Lok Adalat saw breakthrough participation of litigants and till 05:00 PM, the data for National Lok Adalat revealed staggering success with settlement of more than 22,59,000 cases comprising more than 21,61,000 pre-litigation cases and more than 98,000 pending cases, and awards to the amount of more than Rs. 8,42,22,30,000. These cases delved into various subjects including labor disputes, motor accident claims, cheque dishonor cases, civil cases, land acquisition cases, plea bargaining, criminal compoundable offenses, arbitration cases, matrimonial cases, and issues related to electricity and water bills.
Hon’ble The Chief Justice expressed his congratulations and best wishes to all Judicial Officers and stakeholders involved. Hon’ble The Chief Justice extended his special thanks to Hon’ble Shri Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal, Executive Chairman, SLSA, for his significant efforts towards the success of this National Lok Adalat.
Hon’ble Chief Justice also expressed his thanks to Hon’ble Presiding Judges of the two benches constituted for the High Court. He also expressed his thanks to esteemed Principal District Judges of all 23 District Courts, Presiding Officers, and members of all the benches including the deployed staff, PLVs, Officers of other departments, and all stakeholders who have directly or indirectly contributed to the disposal process, as well as the print and electronic media that have amplified the relevance of Lok Adalat. Hon’ble The Chief Justice also expressed his thanks to litigants, who have enthusiastically taken part to make this Lok Adalat a historic success.
Hon’ble Chief Justice Shri Ramesh Sinha’s persistent monitoring, guidance, and motivation for this as well as previous National Lok Adalats have been instrumental in the staggering success of National Lok Adalats throughout the State and stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of accessible justice in Chhattisgarh, setting a historic precedent for future endeavors.
