Bilaspur, 08-03-2025 – The first National Lok Adalat of the year was organized across Chhattisgarh State. On this occasion, Hon’ble Shri Justice Ramesh Sinha, The Chief Justice, High Court of Chhattisgarh -cum- Patron-in-Chief of Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority, inaugurated the National Lok Adalat by lighting the ceremonial lamp at the Raipur District Court and flagged off a Mobile Van for the Mohalla Lok Adalat organized in Raipur.
At the request of the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Raipur, Hon’ble The Chief Justice attended the event at the District Court Raipur, where he extended warm greetings for the first National Lok Adalat of the year and International Women’s Day. Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble The Chief Justice expressed appreciation for women’s participation, cooperation, and contributions acknowledging their vital role in all the sectors, from the Earth to Space.
Inaugurating the first National Lok Adalat of the year, in his address, Hon’ble The Chief Justice emphasized that the National Lok Adalat provides a platform for litigants to resolve their disputes swiftly. He urged all Judicial Officers, Legal Professionals, and Litigants to strive for the resolution of as many cases as possible.
Furthermore, His Lordship encouraged the Presiding Officers and members of Lok Adalat benches, Advocates, Representatives of banks and insurance companies, Litigants, Para-Legal Volunteers, and other Stakeholders for their contributions to this welfare initiative.
During the event, Hon’ble The Chief Justice visited various stalls set up by different departments at the District Court premises and distributed wheelchairs, tricycles, and labour cards to beneficiaries. Additionally, Hon’ble The Chief Justice visited the Ready-to-Eat food exhibition set up by the Women & Child Development Department and free meal services (Langar) provided by voluntary organizations on the occasion of National Lok Adalat.
Hon’ble Chief Justice’s approach has always been marked by vigilance and efficiency. In line with this, His Lordship conducted a virtual inspection of National Lok Adalat proceedings in Districts including Ambikapur, Dhamtari, Bilaspur, Kanker, Balod, Balodabazar, Bemetara, Durg, Dantewada, and Janjgir-Champa. During the inspection, Hon’ble The Chief Justice interacted with Principal District Judges, encouraging them for successful resolution of disputes in National Lok Adalat. His engagement was pivotal towards the success of National Lok Adalat, as His Lordship shared insights, assessed ongoing proceedings, and inspired the Judicial Officers.
Hon’ble Chief Justice Shri Ramesh Sinha also virtually connected with the Benches of Hon’ble Shri Justice Narendra Kumar Vyas and Hon’ble Shri Justice Rakesh Mohan Pandey during National Lok Adalat at the High Court of Chhattisgarh.
Use of Modern Technology in Judicial Proceedings
The virtual inspection of National Lok Adalats demonstrates the use of modern technology in judicial proceedings. This initiative by the Hon’ble Chief Justice not only motivates presiding officers, members, and litigants but also enhances public trust and credibility in the Lok Adalat system.
Under the noble leadership of Hon’ble The Chief Justice, meticulous efforts towards preparations for this National Lok Adalat were undertaken throughout the State, including pre-sittings and counselling sessions, where parties were encouraged to settle disputes amicably.
Notably, The Hon’ble Chief Justice continuously monitored and guided the preparations for the National Lok Adalat by holding meetings with Principal District Judges across the state. Since assuming the office at the Chhattisgarh High Court, he has ensured that quick, accessible, and affordable justice is delivered to the people through Lok Adalat.
According to the data received by 5:00 PM on 08-03-2025, the National Lok Adalat, conducted across the High Court, district, and taluka courts, as well as revenue courts in Chhattisgarh, successfully resolved over 34 lakh cases. The total award passed amounted to more than Rs. 13,00,00,00,000 (Rs. 1300 crore).
Among the resolved cases were pre-litigation and pending cases related to:
- Bank Recovery
- Compoundable Criminal Matters
- Electricity-Related Disputes
- Labour Disputes
- Land Acquisition
- Motor Accident Claims
- Matrimonial Disputes
- Cheque Bounce Cases
- Other Civil Cases
- Traffic Challans
- Revenue Court Matters
- Dues related to Water Tax, Telephone, Electricity, and Tribunals
Hon’ble The Chief Justice expressed his congratulations and best wishes to all the Judicial Officers and stakeholders involved. Hon’ble The Chief Justice also extended his special thanks to Hon’ble Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal, the Executive Chairman, Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority, for his significant efforts towards the success of this National Lok Adalat.
Hon’ble The Chief Justice also expressed his thanks to the Presiding Judges of the two benches constituted for the High Court. He also thanked the 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 directly or indirectly contributed to the disposal process.
A special mention was given to the print and electronic media for amplifying the relevance of Lok Adalat. Hon’ble The Chief Justice also extended his thanks to the litigants, who enthusiastically participated in making this Lok Adalat a historic success.
The inaugural event of the National Lok Adalat in Raipur was attended by:
- The Registrar General, High Court of Chhattisgarh
- Principal Secretary, Law & Legislative Affairs Department
- Principal District & Sessions Judge, Raipur
- President, District Bar Association Raipur, and other office bearers
- Judicial Officers from Raipur District Court
- Officials from various Departments
- Representatives from financial institutions
- Judicial staff, Para-legal volunteers, and litigants
