Chhattisgarh CJ Ramesh Sinha Inaugurates National Lok Adalat In Durg, Highlights Speedy Justice
The National Lok Adalat held at the District Court premises in Durg, Chhattisgarh, was inaugurated by the Chief Justice of the High Court of Chhattisgarh and Patron-in-Chief of the State Legal Services Authority (SLSA), Justice Ramesh Sinha, in the presence of Naresh Kumar Chandravanshi, Portfolio Judge for District Durg. The event was organised under the aegis of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Durg, in accordance with directions issued by the National Legal Services Authority and the Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority.
Upon arrival at the court premises, the dignitaries were ceremonially received and escorted to the venue by a contingent of NCC cadets.
Lok Adalat Strengthens Access To Justice: Chief Justice
In the State of Chhattisgarh, the Lok Adalat was organised under the leadership of Justice Ramesh Sinha. In his inaugural address, the Chief Justice highlighted the significance of Lok Adalats as an effective mechanism for ensuring speedy, affordable, and amicable resolution of disputes.
He emphasised that such forums help reduce pendency and embody the spirit of participatory justice and social harmony by encouraging voluntary settlements.
Pandwani-Themed Lok Adalat Awareness Song Launched
A key highlight of the event was the launch of a Lok Adalat Awareness Theme Song composed in the traditional Pandwani style, a folk art form rooted in the cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh.
The initiative aims to enhance legal awareness by connecting with the masses through culturally resonant mediums. The theme song is intended for outreach, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
Members of the District Bar presented a live cultural performance based on local themes, which was appreciated for promoting the objectives of Lok Adalat through art and storytelling.
Over 10 Lakh Cases Settled Across Benches
The National Lok Adalat witnessed wide participation across multiple forums, including the District Court, Family Court, and courts at Bhilai-3, Patan, and Dhamdha.
A total of 39 benches were constituted, taking up 10,13,826 cases, out of which 10,13,730 cases were settled, including 59 motor accident claim cases, resulting in a settlement amount of Rs. 49,60,31,667.
Additionally, 1,13,439 pre-litigation cases were resolved.
Disputes relating to compoundable criminal offences, civil matters, cheque dishonour cases, matrimonial disputes, motor accident claims, and pre-litigation matters were resolved amicably. Several matrimonial disputes were settled through counselling, while motor accident claims ensured timely compensation to victims.
Hybrid Proceedings and Outreach Measures
The proceedings were conducted in both physical and virtual modes, enabling participation through video conferencing. Mobile outreach initiatives facilitated access for elderly and infirm litigants, ensuring inclusivity in the justice delivery process.
Law students from various colleges attended and observed the proceedings, gaining practical insights into the functioning of Lok Adalats and the role of the judiciary in ensuring access to justice.
The event also featured welfare initiatives including a community kitchen, a jail products exhibition, and a free health check-up camp, reflecting the broader social commitment of legal services institutions.The event at District Court, Durg, witnessed significant enthusiasm. The visit of the Chief Justice added to the dignity of the occasion.Principal District and Sessions Judge, K. Vinod Kujur, expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice for gracing the event and making it meaningful.