Over 11 Lakh Cases Resolved in Three National Lok Adalats in Chhattisgarh
- Chief Justice Highlights the Importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution
TFP Bureau, Raipur; Oct 16, 2023: In a significant move towards alternative dispute resolution, the Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority and Chhattisgarh High Court jointly organized a state-level meet for the evaluation and execution of National Lok Adalats held in the year 2023. The event took place at the Chhattisgarh High Court in Bilaspur on Saturday and was graced by Chief Justice Shri Ramesh Sinha, who serves as the Chief Patron of Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority.
Promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution : The event aimed to evaluate the unique contributions of judicial officers and the performance of National Lok Adalats held throughout 2023. Chief Justice Shri Ramesh Sinha emphasized the significance of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) systems, particularly Lok Adalats, in providing a complementary platform for the amicable resolution of disputes. He noted that ADR systems add a new dimension to the country’s justice delivery system, aligning with the Gandhian principles of Gram Swaraj.
An Ancient Practice in a Modern Context : Chief Justice Shri Sinha highlighted the historical relevance of resolving disputes amicably in India. Traditionally, disputes were referred to village Panchayats for resolution. Panchayat members, known as Panch-Mediators, employed negotiation and mediation principles to facilitate consensus and agreements among aggrieved parties. This ancient practice laid the foundation for ADR systems, emphasizing reduced costs and timely dispute resolution.
Achievements of National Lok Adalats : The Chief Justice urged the efforts of Lok Adalats in Chhattisgarh. In the state, three National Lok Adalats were organized, resulting in the resolution of 11,78,357 cases, over 10 lakh of which were pre-litigation cases. Chief Justice Shri Sinha commended the trust built by Lok Adalats through effective and amicable dispute resolution. He stressed the importance of upholding the principles of justice, equity, and fairness in achieving conciliation settlements.
Continuous Efforts for Justice : While acknowledging the achievements of Lok Adalat judges, Chief Justice Shri Sinha emphasized that there is still much work to be done. He encouraged dedicated and honest efforts, asserting that even small actions can yield desired results. He also inspired for excellent outcomes in the upcoming Rashtriya Lok Adalat scheduled for December 9, 2023.
Areas of Judicial Focus : The Chief Justice highlighted key areas of focus for the judiciary. Firstly, he stressed the importance of judges enhancing their knowledge and understanding of the law for accurate interpretation and application of legal principles. Secondly, he urged judges to ensure that judicial proceedings are conducted promptly, adhering to the principles of natural justice. Avoiding unnecessary adjournments and adopting technology-driven solutions can help streamline the process and expedite justice delivery.
Finally, Chief Justice Shri Sinha underscored the necessity for judges to maintain a high level of integrity and ethical conduct, along with transparency and accountability. These principles are vital in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all.
