Kerala Becomes First In India To Launch Online Permanent Lok Adalat Services

In a landmark move aimed at enhancing access to justice for all, Kerala has become the first state in India to introduce online filing and hearing facilities for Permanent Lok Adalats. This pioneering initiative by the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA) marks a significant step towards leveraging technology to bridge the justice gap, especially for marginalised communities.

Kerala currently hosts three Permanent Lok Adalats in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode. Until now, litigants—particularly those from remote areas—were required to travel long distances to these centres to file even small claims. With the launch of the new digital facility, applicants can now file their cases online from anywhere in the state, thereby saving time, resources, and effort.

The service, which will become fully operational from the first week of May, also includes provisions for online hearings. To ensure inclusivity and ease of access, facilities for online filing and hearings will be made available through e-Sewa Kendras, as well as at district and taluk-level legal services authorities.

The online filing system was officially inaugurated on April 11 by the Hon'ble Chief Justice of Kerala in a function organised by KELSA. This digital transition aligns with the broader vision of ensuring accessible and affordable justice for every citizen and reflects Kerala's continued leadership in legal and technological innovation.